With all the depth, experience and talent that the Penn State men's tennis team has, it should start off running like a well-oiled machine.

For that machine to give the full "diesel effort" that junior Brad Hunter mentioned the Nittany Lions will need to put forth in this weekend's opening matches, the team will need a tune-up -- or two.

The No. 61 Lions will open their spring season hosting two matches on Saturday in the Penn State Indoor Tennis Center.

First Penn State takes on St. Bonaventure at 10 a.m., then must hit the courts again a couple hours later to play Bloomsburg at 5 p.m.

While neither team should be much of a problem for the Lions, two full matches in a day is no joke.

"It's going to put a little wear and tear on, we haven't done that this year yet," Hunter said. "We're just going to have to step it up, it's going to be a challenge and we need to show that we're physically fit."

Head coach Bill Potoczny has tried to keep practices intense, to keep his team in top playing shape.

"We've just been trying to make practices tough enough; we've backed off the conditioning as we've gotten heavier into practicing and been going a little longer," Potoczny said.

"Hopefully the practices are intense enough to keep the guys in shape and uptempo enough to keep them ready for matches."

On top of the fatigue because of the two matches, the Lions must focus on their opponents this weekend. However, the outcome should never be in doubt this weekend. After the long layoff since the fall season, the Lions will need to get a few matches under their belts as they work toward playing their best tennis.

"The guys are anxious to play; I think they're hungry," Potoczny said. "But when you're on a stretch when you're not getting to go after an opponent, I think you can get a little sloppy."

Last September Penn State absolutely owned St. Bonaventure, winning every set of every match in a 7-0 sweep. Bloomsburg, a Division III school, also has never posed much of a threat to the Lions.

"The early season matches are sort of like basketball; you're going to play some weak teams at the beginning of the year," Hunter said.

"We'll play a few weak teams but, just roll over them, that's our goal is to annihilate [them]."

Freshman teammate Adam Slagter added, " No, to devastate and dominate."

During all the likely dominating going on this weekend, the Lions will work all 10 players on the roster into matches, giving everyone a chance to get a match or two under his belt at the start of the season.

Potoczny will also get a look at possible lineups for later this spring and into the Big Ten season. With the pieces in place, it is up to the team to start its season off right in preparation for the long road to the NCAA tournament in May.

"We just have to be smart and play our game," Hunter said. "And look at it as a great way to get ready for the Big Ten."