Marathons are tests of endurance. They build character. The men's tennis team will find that out this weekend.

The Lions (2-5) are heading to Virginia for three grueling matches against three overly-tough customers. At 9 Sunday morning they take on William and Mary. They face Old Dominion at 1 that afternoon and Virginia at 2 p.m. Monday.

"So it's a tough schedule," Coach Holmes Cathrall said. "It's a challenge, and that's what I like. It's the only way you can improve and it's the only way you can challenge the kids.

"It's like two fighters going into the ring to fight. If they match up well, you're going to have a hell of a fight. If one style bothers another kid, he's going to win. You never know what to expect."

The Lions played all three teams last spring. They lost to all three. And if anything, all three teams have gotten tougher since.

Further, the importance of this weekend's matches are intensified by Penn State's current record. With over a month's worth of matches left, the Lions must start winning soon.

"These matches are just as important as any of the matches we play," Corey Goldstein said. "Any match we play we try to win. We're looking for the best record possible, to improve as a team and be a team. "

A possible hindrance to the Lions' efforts this weekend is the questionable health of No. 3 singles player Mark Cavalier. About a week ago Cavalier contracted a viral infection. He has been unable to practice or play since.

Without him, the Lions may not have much of a chance against teams like the three they play this weekend.

"I hope Mark's going to be back," Cathrall said. "I talked to him on Wednesday, which was the first day he was able to go to class . . . that's how sick he's been. He said he would come out (yesterday) to hit for a while. But I don't want him to hit too long. If you push him, he might have a relapse."

Cavalier is also half of the Lions' No. 1 doubles team. Since his illness, that part of the team's makeup has been in a state of extreme upheaval.

"(His being gone) definitely hurts us a little, because our doubles get completely mixed up," Goldstein said. "If he's going to be continually absent, which I don't think he will, I'm sure we'll adjust soon. But I think he'll be ready to play this weekend."

Cavalier's absence was evident Tuesday during the Lions' 6-3 loss to Temple. Cathrall's substitute lineup noticeably lacked Cavalier's leadership and experience.

Now, with a top singles and doubles player still a question mark, Cathrall is still not sure how he will shape his lineup around its three opponents this weekend.

"I wasn't too happy with my No. 1 doubles team (against Temple)," Cathrall said. "So I might change that around. I'm not sure yet. I've got to think about it and work on it over the next couple of days."