Out with the old, in with the new.

This is the banner of the No. 48 Michigan men's tennis team (2-0), which approaches the beginning of its dual-match season with a handful of new faces. With four freshmen on this season's roster replacing four graduated seniors from last year, the group of young Wolverines looks to make a name for itself - and the program.

Second-year Michigan coach Bruce Berque knows all about both the thrills and challenges that come with the new territory.

"It's tougher with (the new players') experience level," Berque said. "But I'm really excited about it. Being a fairly new coach with the program, it's exciting to have guys here who I like and who want to work hard. It will be fun to watch how this group is going to grow together and become a good team."

One of the newcomers that Berque mentioned, Andrew Mazlin, made waves at Michigan's first dual-match of the season, held against Western Michigan last weekend. With the team competition coming down to Mazlin's match at the No. 4 position, the freshman came through for the Wolverines with a three-set victory.

With Mazlin acting more like a senior veteran than a first-year collegiate athlete under this pressure, Berque is pleased with the freshman's progress.

"Andrew's level of play is improving real fast," Berque said. "(All of the freshmen) are trying hard and moving in the right direction."

In addition to Mazlin, the freshman class is rounded out by Peter Aarts - who recorded both doubles and singles victories in last weekend's doubleheader - as well as Scott Bruckmann and Mike DePietro. Though they are new to the program, Berque has high expectations for his rookies.

"The biggest challenge for them is not only coming in to play at the Division I level, but we are asking them to help elevate the program to more of an elite level," Berque said. "We're going to be playing top-10 teams, so we're asking them to contribute right away. We're not exactly easing them into it, but they've begun to have their eyes open about what level we are (hoping to reach)."

With no seniors in the lineup, Berque said he expects team leadership to come predominantly from the junior class, which includes veteran co-captains Ryan Heller and Brian Hung.

"I think it will be a good (opportunity) for them," Berque said. "I point out to the team the positive examples that I see. It makes you feel good when you contribute to the whole team."

Coming off a 2005 season where it tied for third place at the Big Ten Team Championships, Michigan is attempting to make a name for itself - at both the conference and national levels.

Perhaps with young faces and new blood, the Wolverines can turn Berque's hopes into a reality.

"Last year, we made a jump in the conference standings," Berque said. "But (one of the biggest) disappointments was not making the NCAA Tournament. I don't think that should ever happen again. We hope to make a little bit more of a name for ourselves on the national level and take another step forward with the program."

Michigan's next test is against William & Mary at 6 p.m. Friday at the Varsity Tennis Center.