And the streak rolls on.

The No. 1 University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign men's tennis team (21-0, 6-0 Big Ten) extended its record-setting winning streak to 52 games, defeating the No. 56 Penn State men's tennis team (11-6, 2-4) on Saturday. The 6-1 road loss could have easily been a shutout had it not been for freshman Bradley Hunter's victory.

The Lions also continued a streak of their own yesterday, with a disappointing 5-2 loss at No. 75 Purdue (7-10, 2-4). The loss gives the Lions three straight defeats against Big Ten opponents, a streak they must break to earn a bid to the NCAA team championships in May.

Saturday's match could have easily been written off, on paper at least. The Illini rolled in as the most dominating team in collegiate tennis. However, freshman Bradley Hunter saw past the 2003 NCAA men's tennis champions' mystique, taking the lone point for the Lions. Hunter defeated G.D. Jones 6-3, 5-7, 1-0 (11-9) in the No. 5 singles match. The third set immediately went to a tiebreak as the team match was already decided. Hunter, who has shown a knack for fighting for pride when the overall match is already lost, outlasted Jones in the day's final match. For the third time this season, Hunter allowed the Lions to avoid a shutout.

Hunter also teamed with senior Clint Keithley in the second doubles match, losing a tough 8-6 decision to Michael Calkins and Jones.

Sophomore Malcolm Scatliffe, who recently achieved a No. 100 individual ranking, had a chance to upset Brian Wilson, the No. 2 player in the nation. In losing 4-6, 2-6, Scatliffe was not able to capture a crucial first singles point for the Lions. These matches against top players will be critical as Scatliffe attempts to climb in the individual rankings. Yesterday, the Lions had a chance to rebound against Purdue, a dangerous underdog. However, the Boilermakers took the doubles point and were able to run away with the match.

The Lions were swept in the doubles matches for the second time during the weekend. The Lions fought hard throughout the singles matches, but were only able to take two team points.

Early season standouts Keithley and freshman Ryan Berger picked up the two singles victories for the Lions.

At fifth singles, Berger was able to win a long three-set match against Eric Hodgman, 2-6, 6-4, 6-2.

Keithley, back in his comfort zone at third singles, was able to tally for the Lions against David Robinson, winning 6-3, 7-6. The presence of senior Roddy Cantey in the lineup gave Keithley the opportunity to play at third singles.

Cantey, who was held out of singles play on Saturday against the Illini due to knee problems, was back in at second singles. Taking one for the team so other players could slide down one spot, Cantey battled with Troy Havens, forcing a third set. Cantey was unable to finish the set and dropped the match 7-6, 4-6, 2-0.