The Miami University women's tennis team defeated Bowling Green State University 4-3 Saturday to finish with an overall record of 13-6 and a perfect 8-0 in the MAC.

The match was not an easy one with Miami losing the doubles point for the first time in 11 matches. However, four big singles victories allowed the RedHawks to win their ninth straight match. By going undefeated, the RedHawks earn their 16th MAC title overall and their first in nearly a decade.

"Our girls don't get a lot of attention around Miami," head coach Howard Joffe said. "However, we have a very talented group that works hard and competes every single match."

Sophomore Anastasia Dracheva, last year's MAC co-player of the year, has been solid throughout the season. With her straight sets victory on Saturday, she improved to an overall record of 19-9 in singles play.

"Anastasia has been terrific all year long," Joffe said. "She's an international player that has worked hard to adjust to both America and college tennis."

Without one senior on the roster, the RedHawks don't seem to have a solid leader on the team. Junior Brintney Larson and sophomores Megan Martzolf and Cara Wald are the most experienced players.

"At times, we have started three to four freshman in a match," Joffe said.

However, what the team lacks in seniority they make up for with young talent and determination.

Monica Gorny, who arrived at Miami at the start of the spring semester, has been a major contributor on and off the court. Gorny is a South African player who has competed at some of the most prestigious tournaments in the world. In 2008, she earned berths at both Wimbledon and the French Open. Last summer, she was ranked as high as 33rd in the world for juniors.

"Monica is as good of player as you can find in the entire country," Joffe said. "She excels both on and off the court which really shows her maturity."

It may seem logical that as a doubles team, Gorny and Dracheva have won 12 straight matches.

Their extreme talent has been a major factor in the success of the entire team.

"Monica is a great person and a great player," Dracheva said. "She works hard at practice and was a great addition to our team."

The goal seems clear to the RedHawks: win the MAC tournament. Their team has the talent to do so but will need an overall team effort. Freshman Stephanie Danesis, Riekie Honiball and Gorny will all have to step up for the RedHawks to fulfill their goal.

Despite earning the No. 1 overall seed in the MAC tournament and earning an undefeated record in conference play, the Miami tennis team is still a dark horse for Miami sports. Even with little campus recognition, the girls remain confident and poised for tournament action.

The 2009 MAC tournament begins this Friday with Miami awaiting the winner of the No. 8/No. 9 matchup.