A new season means new beginnings for the Penn State men's tennis team.

After struggling through last season, the injury-riddled Nittany Lions are optimistic for the upcoming season. But it is going to take more than just optimism for Penn State to improve upon its 11-12 mark from last year, which included a 1-9 showing in conference action.

It does not help either that two of Penn State coach Jan Bortner's most experienced seniors are no longer in the fold.

Top singles player Marc Dorfman and gritty leader Jeff Martini have said their goodbyes, thus clearing the way for a squad that is hungry, ready to past last season in its memory banks and achieve its lofty goals this season.

Although, the Lions can't totally clear last season from their minds, at least not the days on the court spent with Dorfman and Martini.

"Guys on your team are like a member of your family," Bortner said. "They are going to be a part of the Penn State tennis family. You really don't lose guys like that here. They will stay in touch with us. Even though you are not going to see them everyday at practice, they will still be part of the Penn State tennis tradition."

The squad is hoping to expand upon that tradition with a promising unit, which is now led by junior Steven Van Der Westhuyzen. After all, it was Van Der Westhuyzen who filled in for Dorman when he went down for much of last season with an injury that devastated the Lions, who have no seniors on this year's roster.

Van Der Westhuyzen netted a 19-17 overall mark in doubles play, including a 9-10 record at No. 1 doubles with Jamie Gresh. He won the Coaches Award for his efforts last season.

"Obviously, me missed Dorfman," Bortner said. "We turned that into a positive because some young guys got to play in a higher position than they were accustomed to.

"That helps give us optimism for the fall season. I feel good about the beginning of the year."

Which is why the team has set high goals for itself this season to fare better in Big Ten action.

Junior Chris DeStefano could emerge this season after claiming the Most Improved Player Award. And Matthew Frakes, Jamie Gresh and Damon Accardi are all battle tested.

But there are more to the goals than returning a few more wins.

Bortner would like to see his players become better players. That means playing smarter, playing together and playing toward a team spirit.

"If we can accomplish those goals, we find the wins and the losses take care of themselves," Bortner said. "We never set any goals in terms of numbers of wins and losses."

Still, Bortner is preparing the team for the ECAC Championships, one of the top tennis tournaments in the nation during the fall season. To accomplish some of its goals for later in the season, the team has been preparing throughout the offseason at home, working on individual performances and working out to stay in shape.

"During the summer, the big thing is the guys are home working jobs and doing internships," Bortner said. "You just hope the guys are working hard and working on their conditioning. Based on what I've seen, I think they have had a great summer."

Which could lead to an even better fall.