After going back and forth between non-conference play and conference play, the No. 41 Penn State (12-2, 2-1 Big Ten) men's tennis team finished its non-conference schedule, with a rather easy 7-0 win over Duquesne (10-6, 3-2 Atlantic 10).

The match was the Nittany Lions' fourth consecutive win over the Dukes, their fourth consecutive win and the seventh time they have won a match, 7-0, this spring.

Sophomore Brendan Lynch returned to the lineup after missing the first eight weeks of the spring season with a collarbone injury. Playing in the No. 4 singles, Lynch won in straight sets against Duquesne's Jeremy McClelland, 6-1 and 6-2.

"It's exciting to see Lynch back. He's been playing and working hard to get back from his injury," Penn State head coach Todd Doebler said. "He's looking pretty good now. Now we just need to get him playing a little better."

Junior Michael James continued his hot streak. James is now the No. 90 singles player in the country after knocking off then No. 39 Brian Hung of Michigan last Friday.

James, who finished first in singles, rolled over the Dukes' Paul Clough with ease, 6-1, 6-1. With that win, James has now won seven straight singles matches.

The match was the first real midweek match that Penn State has had in the spring. The team did play Wednesday in Florida last week, but it didn't have classes because of spring break.

That along with a return to the miserable weather of central Pennsylvania could have given the Lions some trouble.

"I know it's difficult sometimes after a week where you're down in the sun and playing good teams," sophomore Adam Slagter said.

"Playing midweek is not always easy, but they were focused and did a nice job [yesterday]," Doebler said.

Penn State ends non-conference play 10-1 and will finish out the season with Big Ten play starting March 30 when it visits Iowa.

"It'll be important for all the guys to raise their level in the next few weeks," Doebler said.