The Lehigh men's tennis team recently showcased their skills at the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) Atlantic Regional Championships in Philadelphia. This prestigious tournament brought together top talent from across the region, providing the Mountain Hawks with invaluable competition and experience as they prepare for the upcoming season.

Elevating Their Game on the Regional Stage

Doubles Duo Shines Bright

The Lehigh men's tennis team made a strong showing at the ITA Atlantic Regional Championships, with the doubles pairing of senior Marc Blekhman and Sean Jaeger leading the charge. The duo faced off against Colgate in the opening round, securing a decisive 6-2 victory and advancing to the semifinals. However, their run came to a close in a tight final tiebreaker match against Bucknell, where they narrowly fell 7-6.Graduate assistant coach Lennart Lehmann praised the team's performance, noting that they competed well against the region's top talent. "There were some very strong teams, and we competed well," Lehmann said. He singled out Jaeger's impressive individual performance, as the senior won his opening-round match in a close contest and also played well alongside Blekhman in the doubles event.

Freshman Phenom Impresses

The Lehigh squad also received a standout performance from first-year player Ofer Hacohen, who caught the attention of his teammates and coaches. Blekhman, the senior leader, was particularly impressed by Hacohen's ability to bounce back from a large deficit in the first set of his opening-round match. "He loosened up, moved on from his previous mistakes and focused on the task at hand which was finding his best level," Blekhman said. "He showed great positive energy that gave everyone on the team a large boost of confidence."Lehmann echoed Blekhman's sentiments, highlighting the importance of mental toughness in the sport of tennis. "This is what tennis is all about," Lehmann said. "It is a mental game, and you have to stay focused all the time." The coach believes that the tournament experience will be invaluable for the team as they continue to develop and prepare for the upcoming spring season.

Building Momentum for the Spring

The Lehigh men's tennis team's performance at the ITA Atlantic Regional Championships has set the stage for a promising spring season. Lehmann emphasized the need for the team to translate this tournament experience into sustained success on the court, noting that they have a tough schedule ahead."We have a tough schedule and obviously (want to) be prepared well," Lehmann said. "The fall gives a good chance to show what we have to improve and work on our weak spots." The team will continue to participate in invitational tournaments and non-conference matches, providing further opportunities for player development and team cohesiveness before the critical Patriot League schedule begins in the spring.As the Lehigh Hawks look to build on their strong showing at the regional championships, the team's focus remains firmly on honing their skills, sharpening their mental toughness, and positioning themselves for success in the upcoming season. With a talented roster and a dedicated coaching staff, the Mountain Hawks are poised to make their mark on the court and continue their tradition of excellence.