After posting three consecutive wins this past weekend, the Penn State men's tennis team is off to an undefeated start to its season. With an 8-0 record, a top-50 ranking and Big Ten action set to get under way next week, the Nittany Lions are aiming toward another successful season, and possibly a conference title.

One major part of the Lions' success has been the play of the doubles teams. The No. 1 doubles team, sophomore Andy Slagter and junior Michael James are continually proving that they belong there.

After winning all three of their doubles matches during the weekend, James and Slagter remain undefeated in doubles play with a 6-0 record, and currently hold the No. 23 ranking in the Fila ITA National Doubles poll. The duo was pleased with its wins this weekend, and was especially excited, as one of their wins included a defeat of the No. 44 doubles team in the nation.

"We did very well," Slagter said. "It's still a work in progress, but every week we seem to get better. It was good to get three wins this weekend, and I really like playing alongside James."

Each is different on the court, yet their two personalities appear to gel. When opponents look at the pair, each player standing taller than six-foot, two inches, their physical presence is at times unmatched. Together, they form an impressive duo and are always there to back each other up.

"James is a little quieter than I am, so I sort of have to play the cheerleader role," Slagter said. "He's more the kind of guy who saves his emotions for the big points. It's nice, because if he makes a tough shot, I know what to say that will get him fired up, and the same goes for me. It's actually kind of like being with your girlfriend. You have to learn how to talk to her."

Slagter and James admit they have not discussed their goals as a tandem for the season, but want to make sure that they earn their way into the National Doubles Tournament, an event held each May to crown the top doubles team in the nation.

Not only have opponents and fans taken notice of James and Slagter, but head coach Todd Doebler has too. Doebler is impressed with his top twosome and is excited at their potential for the season.

"I think they have played really solid," he said. "They are both starting to serve well, and I've noticed that Adam's returns are getting better. They are starting to come together as a team, and I love to see that," he said.

Doebler is responsible for pairing the two with each other earlier in the fall season, but had no idea that they would work so well together.

"They both play very big, and are both big physically too, which makes them good at taking the court away from their opponent," Doebler said. "They really came together at Regionals, and I think they have a chance to run with it this season."