Bethlehem Jeffs may have went through one of their best victories in recent memory following a 1-0 victory Saturday over defending NORCO champion Nazareth, but it came with heavy hearts.

Zac Sedler, who was a center fielder for the team and a graduate of Bethlehem Catholic, passed away last Friday to the shock of the team.

Sedler was a key member of the team and the news hit home hard.

For first-year head coach Scott Phillips, it was a difficult situation for his team in the early part of this season.

"We had a meeting with the kids Saturday morning and we decided to go on and play the game against Nazareth in memory of Zac," Phillips said. "I think it may have brought this team closer together, but it's a tragedy and a big loss for our team."

Following a 3-15 campaign a year ago, Jeffs are off to a 2-2 start featuring last year's NORCO batting champ Seevor Hoyak (SS, Northampton Community College). Liberty's Abner Santana (C) and Lehigh Valley Christian's Jacob Sheriff (P) are some of the other key cogs in the lineup for Phillips' crew.

"We have a good group of kids who are optimistic to make plays," he said. "We definitely have more of a veteran presence than last year and we have better pitching. We hope to make the playoffs this year."

With Monday's game against Northampton, the team closes out the week on Friday against league front-runner Bath. The team also has Sedler's viewing on Wednesday evening.

"I only coached Zac for two months, but he was a great kid," Phillips said. "It was great that we went out and got that win for him against Nazareth. It's just a tough situation for everyone."