For a team without a returning senior, the Penn State men's tennis team (9-1) will need to look to everyone for leadership. Luckily for the Nittany Lions, there are four returning players with experience in big matches who can step up to fill that void.

"The leadership will have to come down to a lot of guys," Penn State coach Jan Bortner said. "For the returners, those four guys are sharing the responsibility in teaching the younger guys."

Juniors Mark Barry and Malcolm Scatliffe should be fixtures at the top of the lineup for the Lions, a young team looking to make a splash in the Big Ten.

Barry, who was ineligible last spring, returns to the court after a very successful fall. In November, he upset some of the Big Ten's best players en route to a second-place finish in the Big Ten Individual Championships. He fell just short of first place, going three sets with the No. 2-seeded Joey Atas, from Ohio State. Scatliffe, who emerged as the No. 1 singles player for the Lions last year, will be looked toward again to produce high-energy matches and vital singles points. Scatliffe also had a successful fall, earning the No. 6 seed in the Big Ten Tournament and advancing to the semifinals.

The two juniors will also form the No. 1 doubles team. During the fall, they teamed up and posted a perfect 7-0 record. The pairing could be a huge advantage during the Big Ten season, when the doubles point is so crucial. A pair of sophomores who figured heavily last spring will also be looked upon to provide leadership, just one year removed from their first experience in collegiate tennis. Ryan Berger and Bradley Hunter locked down the fifth and sixth singles spots, respectively, for the Lions through much of last season. Both also contributed on varying doubles teams as well throughout the year.

"One of our strengths is having four guys that have had good success at the highest level," Bortner said.

The core of these four experienced players must blend with a crop of talented freshmen who will compete to fill out the remaining singles spots as well as make up key pieces in doubles.

"Right now there are three freshmen in a battle for those singles positions, and to fill out the doubles," Bortner said.

Michael James, James Dwyer and Chris Sherman are leading the way to be the next Penn State freshmen to step up for the team, much like Hunter and Berger did a year ago.

Dwyer had a very impressive spring, going 12-2 over the fall and placing second in the Big Ten Tournament in the consolation bracket.

The Lions will get a chance to test their talent against Virginia Tech on Sunday, as they open their spring schedule at home in the Penn State Tennis Center.

The No. 52 Hokies will be a tough test for the young team and Bortner said that no matter what the rankings say, Virginia Tech is much better than a spot in the 50s.

"Our guys are looking forward to it -- it's a match you want to open with," Bortner said. "Going against a good team with a great lineup, you can see where you stand for the Big Ten season."