With a midweek contest at home against an easily overmatched opponent, the Penn State men's tennis team could have been in for a letdown.

Even with the match sandwiched between four others, and a two-hour practice serving as yesterday' warmup, the No. 61 Nittany Lions (3-0) were ready to play last night, defeating Bucknell 7-0.

"I'm really proud of the team, I just had to see where we were at," head coach Bill Potoczny said."I was pleased with how the guys came out feisty and aggressive and really came after Bucknell."

The Lions got on top quick, sweeping the doubles point for the second time this season. Juniors Ryan Berger and Brad Hunter teamed together at No. 3 doubles and put away the point with their 8-2 win against Daniel Bednarek and Jonathan Brenner.

After helping to put the doubles point away, Berger was back at it in singles.

The junior gave the Lions a quick 2-0 lead in the match when he dropped Lashnits at No. 3 spot, 6-1, 6-0.

Freshman Brendan Lynch, with a 6-1, 6-2 victory, actually played his closest match of the season.

The three total games he lost to Bednarek were the first he has given up so far this spring, as he shut out his first two opponents.

With just a day between now and when they travel to Cornell, the Lions will need more quick victories to keep the young season unblemished.

"Against a good team, that window of opportunity is open for a very short time -- and it has to be shut immediately," Potoczny said.