With four impact players leaving from last year’s squad, the Northwestern men’s tennis team needed an infusion of young talent.

Enter four freshmen. Each with impressive high school credentials. Each ready to make an immediate impact.

Russell Bennett, Jackie Jenkins, Josh Axler and Chuck Leger have each made his mark on the collegiate tennis scene this year. And they have become good friends in the process.

“We are all very close,” Axler said. “We go to dinner together, we loosen up together. That’s a big part.”

Axler rooms with Jenkins and plans to do so again next year.

“Everyone gets along well,” said Bennett, a New Trier High School graduate. “We hang out at Sunday night parties. We work out together both as a team and outside (of tennis).”

On the court, the freshmen push each other to work hard and improve their games.

Brad Erickson, the team’s only upperclassman who plays regularly in matches, is impressed with the group’s maturity and says he hasn’t had to act the role of the older brother on the team.

“They are doing it themselves very well,” Erickson said. “They are very confident and work hard every day. Their intensity is great.”

Bennett said consistency is a key for the freshmen. This past weekend was a good example: Axler and Bennett both scored big singles victories on Saturday against Ohio State but couldn’t get their games going in losses to Penn State.

Jenkins fell in two sets against the Buckeyes and in three against the Nittany Lions.

“The harder Russell tried, the worse it got,” said coach Paul Torricelli. “Same with Jackie. They were trying so hard but couldn’t get anything done. Sometimes you have days like that.”

Experience is vital for the young team. Torricelli said he believes getting more matches under his players’ belts will correct some mistakes.

“A year from now, Russell will beat that guy,” Torricelli said. “Jackie will beat that guy. Same for Josh. You just have to go through this. These guys are going to get a lot better.”

Axler knows he and his teammates are still learning how to play at the collegiate level.

“I’ve learned a lot playing juniors and sophomores,” Axler said. “The best thing is to keep challenging players.”

ON THE BUBBLE: At 8-9, the Wildcats are no sure bet for the NCAA Regionals in May. Despite an 11-13 record and a seventh-place Big Ten finish last year, the Cats reached the NCAAs with a strong showing at the Big Ten Championships.

NU is hoping to do the same this year, but Erickson said he is somewhat concerned about the team’s chances.

“Right now I would say no,” Erickson said. “But we would not have gotten in based on our regular season last year either. The (Big Ten) tournament is what it’s all about.”

Erickson said the selections to the tournament are based on who you beat — not on record or ranking. With many automatic bids given to conference champions, Saturday’s match against nationally ranked Minnesota becomes all the more important for the Cats.

“If we beat Minnesota, we are in for sure,” Bennett said.

Others, including Torricelli, are less confident.

“We’re a bubble team,” Torricelli said. “No guarantees.”

IN THE BUBBLE: It’s no retractable-roof stadium, but for playing tennis in the frigid winter (and spring) weather, it’s the second-best thing.

NU plays its matches inside at the Johnson Tennis Center (next to Welsh-Ryan Arena) when the weather does not cooperate, and outside at the Vandy Christie Tennis Center (on Sheridan Road) when conditions are better.

Saturday’s Ohio State match was forced indoors due to the wintery conditions, and Erickson wasn’t pleased.

“I was kind of disappointed to be playing in the bubble,” Erickson said.

Others, like Bennett, would rather be inside.

“Growing up around here I’m used to indoor tennis,” Bennett said. “My game corresponds more to indoors.”

The game outdoors tends to be more of a grind and players have to be patient with their games, Bennett said. Inside, players can gamble and attempt riskier shots.

The Cats are never sure where they will play with the volatile Chicago weather. But they can always be assured there will be a match.

“The team is just as strong in both places,” Bennett said.