In the midst of its fourth consecutive win over intrastate rival Duquesne, the Penn State men's tennis team was pleased to see the return of one of its top players: sophomore Brendan Lynch.

Lynch returned to the Nittany Lions lineup after sitting out the first 13 matches of the spring season.

"I was more excited than nervous," Lynch said. "I had to watch all of the matches so far this season, and I was definitely ready to get back out there and compete."

This was his first match since injuring his collarbone while training over winter break. After eight weeks of rehabilitation and rest, the 2005 Most Improved Player for the Lions was able to regain his strength and come out with the hot hand against Duquesne.

Lynch won in straight sets, taking the match, 6-1, 6-2. He helped complete a sweep for the Lions, who with the win completed their non-conference schedule with a 9-1 record.

His presence on the court could be felt, as several cheers from the Lions bench and home crowd echoed through the arena and propelled Lynch to victory.

Lynch's point in the match was well earned, but the final outcome of the match had already been decided. He admitted it felt good to get back on the court, but he knows that he still has some room to improve.

"Obviously I'm still a little rusty after eight weeks off," he said. "The Big Ten matches coming up are really important, and I know that I need to be ready. I'll be ready."

Although he has just started his action for the Lions this season, Lynch was a big part in the success for Penn State before the injury. He opened his Penn State career with a singles win at the Penn State Fall Classic in 2005 and earned a doubles win alongside junior Michael James.

His most noted wins arguably came last spring in Penn State's home opener against St. Bonaventure and Bloomsburg. In both of his singles matches, Lynch was untouchable, posting two 6-0, 6-0 wins and leading the Lions to another successful season. He also guided the Lions to an upset win in 2005 over then No. 49 Virginia Tech.

On his career the sophomore boasts an 18-7 record, including a 7-1 record in doubles play. While he knows that his recovery is not yet complete, his win against Duquesne is certainly grounds for optimism.

"I feel like I'm 100 percent," Lynch said. "I definitely feel great, and hopefully it will stay that way for the rest of the season."