The sun was shining high and bright over Sarni Tennis Center yesterday afternoon and its rays touched some unfamiliar faces on the court.

With a dismal Robert Morris (3-9) team coming to play, the Penn State men's tennis coach Jan Bortner took the opportunity to get some of his freshman valuable experience.

The Lions (9-10, 1-5 Big Ten) cruised over a Robert Morris team that only had five members make the trip to Happy Valley.

Coming off of its first Big Ten win against No. 66 Michigan State, Penn State handled its last non-conference match of the season with ease, winning 7-0. While being good experience for all players, the real benefit of the match was in the extra court time for the freshmen.

"Every time you can get in helps you a lot, especially for me since I started later than most of the guys," said freshman Jim Crowell.

Crowell wasn't able to compete in his slated No. 6 singles spot because of the missing Robert Morris player, but he did get to make his mark in doubles competition. Crowell and junior Michael Anderson won 8-2 in No. 2 doubles.

All four of the freshmen on the Penn State roster got playing time in the win.

Along with Crowell, Matt Rose and Josh Rubens took part in No. 4 and No. 5 singles play, respectively, while Clint Keithley put in time on the doubles court.

Rose and Rubens were also scheduled to team up in No. 3 doubles but the lack of players also caused them to get the default victory. As with any sport, getting freshman into the match may have done as much for them mentally as it did physically.

"Every match you get more mentally prepared," said Rose, who was nearly perfect in his 6-0, 6-1 victory over Leo Vighetti.

The level of competition was not a factor in the experience according to Rubens.

"It adds to your confidence anytime you can play and win," Rubens said, "no matter who you are playing."

Rubens took advantage of the nice weather to post the only shutout victory of the match in a win over Chris Mcafee.

The sunshine and warm temperatures were an added bonus to the day for the Lions. Playing in a northeastern region, the team is confined to playing inside most of the time. Given the opportunity, however, Penn State took full advantage.

"It felt good to get the chance to come out here and play, especially out here in the good weather that we had," said Rubens. "And it was good that everyone took care of business."