The District XI boys AAA doubles tennis tournament signaled the end of the year for the Whitehall boys tennis team, so with a firm eye on the future, they'll turn their attention toward next season.

The book on the 2015 season officially closed when Gavin Meyers and Max Nuscher lost in the opening round of the doubles tourney to Freedom's Aidan Bodeo-Lomicky and Ross Sonnenblick, 6-1, 6-0. That pair went on to the semifinals, eventually earning a bronze medal at the 3A tourney.

Zephyr head coach Austin Berg said it was an unfortunate they drew such a tough match to begin the tournament, but they went down fighting.

"They gave their best effort," said Berg.

Berg said he told them to be aggressive at the net and they responded by playing that style throughout the match.

The Zephs finished the season at 3-11. It's the same mark they had last season, and Berg was hopeful they would keep that steady climb up the win column this year, something they've done each year he's been the coach. Still, they didn't digress, and he's hopeful some of those close matches they lost at the beginning of the year will translate to wins next season.

"Hopefully, we can jump past that and get those wins," he said.

The Zephyrs graduate two seniors from this year's squad. Islam "Izzy" Ahmed and Toby Chan both depart the program. Ahmed, this year's captain, was a four-year player, beginning at No. 4 doubles. Through offseason work, he improved his game and eventually landed the No. 1 singles spot, holding that position for two season until this year when he moved to No. 2.

"He worked really hard to achieve that," said Berg.

Berg said that Ahmed was a great captain. someone who was willing to take on any task, and led by example.

"He really put forth a great effort," Berg said.

Berg said that Chan was a versatile doubles player, filling in wherever he was needed. Berg said that the senior rarely missed a practice during his career, and handled every situation with maturity.

"He was always helpful, ready to go, and was always prepared," said Berg.

They return a bevy of experienced players and that certainly bodes well for the future.

Alex Rohn will be back. The junior held down the No. 1 spot this season, and with another year under his belt should be poised for a strong senior campaign.

Meyers also returns, and after playing at No. 3 singles the last two years, Berg expects him to step up to No. 2, perhaps even vie for the No. 1 slot.

Also returning are Nuscher, Hazem Abdelaal, Alexis Analtalio, Rohit Gangupantulu, Daniel Herrera-Avevedo, Ivan Kok, Jeremy Lim, Clement Mei, Erik Poon and Jordan Saliby.

Saliby and Lim were a potent doubles team, as was Nuscher and Herrera-Acevedo, giving the Zephs a strong foundation on which to build.

Among that group, Lim may become one of their singles players next year. The freshman exhibited a solid rookie season, and with a strong offseason regimen, Berg believes he can make the transition. Berg said it's a matter of being more consistent.

Berg said that Lim comes from a tennis background that includes strong support system that should aid his development.

Berg, who teaches at the middle school, has already been busy scouting potential tennis players and is hopeful the eighth graders he's spoken with will make that commitment to the sport.

He's also looking to implement some offseason activities, including a tennis camp that could be reimbursed through the school. He also wants to keep in touch with his athletes through emails and other correspondence since success requires work.

Still, it has to come down to the individual.

"These kids have to be motivated to do the work," said Berg. "In the EPC, you really need to put forth the effort to be great."

That work starts now.