Marshall won all three matches 7-0. 

Doubles partners Ana Ceretto, a junior from Rosario, Argentina, and Sochi, Russia sophomore Anna Mitina set the new single-season doubles victory record, picking up their 28th win of the season. The record was set with an 8-0 win over Charleston's Maria Smith and Sarah Scheiber. 

The old record of 26 wins had stood since Jennifer Mele and Erin Russell set it in 1997. 

Marshall Coach Laurie Mercer said having such a successful doubles team has helped the rest of the team throughout the season. 

"It's been nice to have such a team at the No.1 spot that it sets the level for the rest of the team," she said. "Not only have they improved, but they've forced the rest of the team to get better. That's why we've been so successful at doubles. 

"Their games really complement each other. They make a really good team." 

The Thundering Herd needs just two wins to clinch the conference title and will look to do so this weekend as it travels to play Eastern Michigan and Miami. 

The Eagles also are in the hunt for the conference title and has traded wins with Marshall the past two seasons. 

Mercer said she looks for a good match. 

"We know it's going to be a good competition," she said. "They won 4-3 two years ago and we won 4-3 last year so we know it's going to be a great match. 

"We need to go out and compete, and hopefully we'll come out with the win." 

Mitina said she thinks the team will be ready for the challenge. 

"We're really mentally preparing for these games," she said. "We just have to go out there and play our game. I think we'll be ready to go. We're excited. We'll do our best."
 

Story by Michelle James
Photos by Michelle James and Terri Blair