In sports, people always talk about stepping up. Whether that means coming though in a pressure situation, elevating one's game, or even filling a leadership role, the idea is always there.

For the No. 62 Penn State men's tennis team (8-1) to reach the NCAA Championships, it needed its four returning starters to each step up individually. Without a doubt, sophomore Ryan Berger has done his part for the Lions.

"That's the right word, [stepped up]; he's elevated his game," Penn State coach Jan Bortner said. "He's a much better player; he's stronger physically, his aggressive firepower has improved and he runs more offensive plays now."

Berger, a top-100 recruit coming into Happy Valley last year, showed his talent in the fall of 2003 and in the early stages of the spring season. As the Lions entered the Big Ten season however, he struggled, going 3-8 in conference singles matches. The struggles could be expected for a freshman set to compete at the No. 4 or 5 singles spot in the Big Ten.

For the Lions to contend, Berger can't afford a sophomore slump. For a team without any returning seniors, Berger needs to be a top contributor, and now, knocking at the door of the Big Ten season and national powerhouse Illinois, he is doing just that.

"Berger's really stepping it up for us," said Bradley Hunter, Berger's doubles partner and a fellow returning sophomore. "He's winning all his singles -- he's been really butter at the singles slot."

In fact, Berger is undefeated at singles, going 4-0 so far this spring, winning all of those matches in straight sets. With his performance, Berger is becoming a solid bet for a victory at his No. 3 singles spot. The difference it seems has been in Berger's confidence, which grows with each victory.

"He's been a lot more confident, that's the main thing," junior Malcolm Scatliffe said. "His game has always been there, but now his confidence level is higher."

Improved confidence is something Berger will need when he faces off with great competition week-in and week-out in the Big Ten, especially at his No. 3 spot.

"You want to know that you can beat anybody," Berger said about his flawless singles record. "I feel like I can beat anybody, and having that confidence really helps in how I'm going into the Big Ten season."

Playing more confidently and more aggressively has taken Berger's game up a notch, but he knows he must work on his doubles play.

With the doubles point being so important in close, grind-it-out Big Ten matches, the record of 3-2 posted by Berger and Hunter might not cut it against some of the best in the nation. However that is one of the challenges that Berger is here to face, improving his play.

"I'm definitely looking forward to [the Big Ten season], that's why I chose Penn State," he said.

With No. 3 Illinois coming up this Saturday, Berger's singles record and doubles play, along with the entire team, will be put to the ultimate test. If the season to date is any gauge of how he will perform, look for Berger to continue to play a huge role for the Lions this spring.

"You just like to see a guy make that jump from freshman year," Bortner said. "He was playing at a certain level, and now in his sophomore year he's at a whole different level."