As the boys were wrapping up their tennis match against Nazareth on Saturday, head coach Austin Berg was reflecting on the opportunity that presented itself.

He said it provided another lesson, a lesson in their development as a team. They needed to compete and challenge a good team like Nazareth (5-3 in the EPC) if they want to take the next step forward.

"This match was definitely a building block for us," said Berg whose team is now 1-8 on the season. "It just showed them that they can stick with the competition. It's just a matter of finding a way to win."

While they won a few games and took a few sets, they lost 7-0 to the Blue Eagles. In two of their doubles matches they were able to extend their opponents to three sets, both times bouncing back after a first set loss to force the deciding set. Still, they're searching for a way to capitalize on those wins that can carry them to victory.

"Sometimes we don't know what to do to pull it out," said Berg.

Berg said that the other team isn't going to roll over, and will look to counter that momentum by staging their own rally. That's what happened in No. 3 and 4 doubles as the Blue Eagles bounced back after losing the second set. He said his team has to learn to match that performance.

"My team doesn't give up, either," said Berg. "They fight back. We're getting close."

The match had a number of good moments for the Zephs. One of those came during No. 3 doubles as Jordan Saliby and Jeremy Lim battled Jorey Ferraro and Garrett Snyder. In the second set, Saliby was consistently putting away winners at the net, while Lim was finding open space from the baseline. They won that set 6-1, extending the match to a final set.

"Jordan and Jeremy can get to any ball on the court," said Berg. "Even in practice, when they work with other players, they say they can get to any ball where they hit it."

That pairing has been productive for the Zephs. Despite Saturday's loss, they still have a winning record together. Berg said that Lim most likely will play singles next year. The freshman has been able to adjust well to varsity competition.

"He started this season not even on varsity, but he's gotten more consistent, and with more playing time, it's made him better," said Berg.

Berg said that Lim prepared before the season began, and that's been a key to his development.

"I look forward to seeing him in the coming years," said Berg.

In No. 4 doubles, Erik Poon and Hazem Abdelaal took Nick Mitchell and Skylar Zemenak to three sets, taking the middle set 7-5 after losing the opening set 0-6. They dropped the third set 3-6, eventually losing the match.

Berg said that Poon is a good candidate to emerge as their consistent No. 4 doubles player, with part of that contingent upon the freshman harassing his service game.

"I think he'll definitely grow and be able to put in the work in the offseason," said Berg.

The Zephs also got wins throughout their singles matches, with Alex Rohn losing to Mike Fishler, 6-1, 6-2. Additionally, Izzy Ahmed battled Joe Guagliardi 6-1, 6-4, while Gavin Meyers lost to Nick Ferraro, 6-3, 6-4.

In No. 2 doubles, Max Nuscher and Daniel Herrera-Acevedo lost to Josh Ferraro and Matt Soika, 6-0, 7-5.

The Zephs have three matches this week, and then will prepare for the league tournament this weekend.