The Miami University women's tennis team knew coming into the weekend it had two formidable opponents in Austin Peay University and North Texas University. After starting the spring season on a high note, the RedHawks had lost four of their previous five matches and a new beginning was on their mind.

They were able to capitalize on the opportunity as Austin Peay was the victim of superb singles play Friday, Feb. 25.

Miami's No. 1 singles player, Anastasia Dracheva (6-4, 6-1), No. 2 player Stephanie Danesis (6-4, 6-2) and No. 3 three player Megan Martzolf (6-0, 6-0) all won their matches comfortably in straight sets, leading the RedHawks to a 6-1 victory at the Bass-Rudd Tennis Center in Louisville, Ky.

Head Coach Anca Dumitrescu was all smiles after the match.

"I was proud of the way that the girls competed in singles," Dumitrescu said. "We were poised despite losing the doubles point. Austin Peay played well, but we were a little tougher today."

Friday, the 'Hawks benefited from some good fortune as Austin Peay arrived to the match undermanned. The Lady Governors found themselves defaulting at the third doubles spot and the sixth singles slot. With Riekie Honiball (6-1, 6-4) and Cara Wald (6-2, 3-6, 1-0 (10-7)) taking care of business at No. 4 and No. 5 singles respectively, Austin Peay's only win came from its doubles escaping with two hard-fought victories.

Saturday, the RedHawks tried to ride their momentum facing previously nationally ranked opponent North Texas University. The Mean Green were ranked 70 in the country only two weeks prior and earlier this year got as high as 60 overall. The RedHawks understood the need to win consistently against the nation's best if they were going to receive public recognition, and Saturday they were all business.

Dracheva found herself victim to a heartbreaking defeat at number one singles, but her teammates more than compensated as all remaining singles and doubles positions won their matches.

Winning certainly makes road trips easier, and Dumitrescu was delighted with how her team played.

"I was very proud of how the girls competed today and this weekend," Dumitrescu said. "We got behind at number one doubles and kept our composure and came back to win the match. Anastasia and Megan got down in the beginning of their matches but kept fighting, too. This weekend, we defined our identity as a team with a big heart who faces adversity with class and who never gives up."

Danesis continued what was a very successful weekend for her as she (6-1,6-2), Honiball (6-2, 7-6), Wald (6-4, 6-4) and freshman Nimisha Mohan (6-0,6-2) won in straight sets. Danesis, Honiball and Wald all found themselves victorious in doubles as well as the Mean Green were overwhelmed by the RedHawks' scrappy play.

Next, the Red and White return from their grueling road trip to home court against 49th ranked Marshall University. The 'Hawks proved they have the depth and will to compete with anyone in the country. With the Thundering Herd winning seven of their last eight matches, they will have the opportunity to make a statement to the rest of the NCAA.