For most teams, starting the season 0-2 would cause worry.

However, the Penn State Nittany Lions tennis team has put itself in good position after a slow start.

They returned to win two this past weekend against Harvard and Boston University to even their record at 2-2.

The two losses came against Tulane and South Alabama. Tulane, ranked in the top 50 in the country, slithered out of the Lions grasp for a 4-3 win. South Alabama, ranked 14 in the country, eeked out a 5-2 victory. The last two matches went down to three sets and tie-breaks.

"We came within inches of pulling an upset against South Alabama," Penn State women's tennis coach Buffy Baker said.

The doubles duo of Rebecca Ho and Pilar Montgomery beat the best South Alabama had to offer — the semifinalist of the NCAA doubles tournament last year.

Heading in, the Lions had no advantages, practicing indoors all winter. Neither Tulane nor South Alabama play indoors at any point of the year. A bitter cold enveloped New Orleans on the first weekend of February.

"It was tough for us to go down there," Montgomery said. "We saw our breath the whole match."

"Losing to Tulane by such a close margin was a heartbreaking loss for us," senior Teresa Whiteside said. "We walked away knowing that we were the better team, hands down."

However, the Lions responded last weekend — beating Boston and Harvard in solid fashion, both 5-2.

Harvard, ranked 62 in the ITA ratings at the end of last year, found it was tough to beat this Penn State team. It was a positive facing another ranked opponent after the close outcomes in Louisiana just a week before.

"Playing Harvard really helped," junior Janelle Perez said. "We now have a lot of confidence."

At 2-2, the Lions find themselves in good position with a good reputation.

"We showed Harvard you got to beat us," Baker said. "We won't lay down and die for you."

Baker mentioned that it wasn't always the prettiest tennis displayed in Boston, but it did get the done.

To achieve that top 75 ITA ranking, you have to win those matches when you don't necessarily play your best tennis. It's a step in the right direction. After going a combined 5-33 the two years prior to Baker coming aboard, the Lions are now 10-12 in their last 22 matches — Baker's second season. Now, they head into a stretch that should get that record above the .500 mark.

"We're in a good place," Baker said. "Both weekends were a success for us."