The Penn State men's tennis team will return home today after competing in three road matches last week. The No. 41 Nittany Lions will face familiar opponent Duquesne, who they defeated 7-0 in State College last season.

While the idea of playing at home is comforting for many teams, Penn State's road matches haven't exactly left the Lions (11-2, 2-1 Big Ten) itching to return to Happy Valley. Penn State fought to three straight wins on the road in the past week, upsetting No. 21 Michigan, and defeating Army and South Florida. Penn State is currently 4-1 on the road.

In each of their road wins, the Lions were able to find success during doubles play. After a switch of partners divided up the experience on the roster, the team has been able to capture multiple wins, and look to do the same against Duquesne.

"We play Duquesne every year," junior Michael James said. "We know who they are, and it's a great way to get warmed up. We can't overlook them. We need to make sure we take care of business."

James knows all about taking care of business, as the current Big Ten Men's Tennis Athlete of the Week has been on fire lately. James has won six straight singles matches, and is coming off of an upset of the No. 39 ranked player in the nation.

Although winning six straight matches is something to be admired, James stresses that it doesn't matter how many he wins; all that matters is that he helps his team get the victory.

"I know that every match is important," James said. "Both our non-conference and Big Ten matches are important. We need to win every point. We've gotta fight, fight for every point."

The recent doubles switch left James without his former partner, sophomore Adam Slagter, but he is happy to know that his switch has helped spark the Lions.

"Although it's a little too early to tell, as a group we've done very successful," James said. "It's a little different playing alongside [Ryan] Berger, but if it means that the team does better, than that's what's important."

Duquesne enters Happy Valley with an 11-5 record, and will face their first of three road contests. The Dukes have struggled as of late, losing three of their last five matches, and will look to get back on track against the Lions.

Penn State head coach Todd Doebler knows that any opponent can be beaten, but also knows the dangers of overlooking a team that can win if not taken seriously.

"Our boys are hungry to get out there and compete," he said. "They want to continue their momentum, and they look forward to earning even more experience as we get closer to our Big Ten matchups later this season."