The Ohio State women’s tennis team has opened the spring portion of its schedule with three consecutive wins.

Already this season, the Buckeyes, ranked No. 41, have beaten Baylor, Marquette and conference foe Penn State.

But perhaps even more impressive than its unbeaten record thus far is the fact that OSU has not lost a single doubles match in the early portion of the dual season.

Dominant doubles play has been crucial in winning matches against Penn State and Baylor as the Buckeyes escaped each one with a 4-3 victory.

For the Buckeyes, a big factor may be in that the third doubles team of sophomore Lindsey Adams and junior Meaghan Colville plays doubles alone and not singles.

OSU has been able to play strong tennis despite missing a number of players due to illness.

“I think we pulled together as a team despite sick players and won those close matches because we are mentally stronger,” said junior Erica Fisk, who plays second singles for the Buckeyes.

This weekend, the Buckeyes will have a tough Big Ten stretch, playing both Michigan and Michigan State at home.

“It should be an exciting, tough weekend,” said senior Michelle Matko. “If we play like we have been, we will beat the team up north.”

While OSU is focused on playing arch-rival Michigan, it knows it can’t afford to look past the Spartans or any other opponent this season.

“We face a lot of adversity and we are a better team this year,” said top singles’ player senior Sadhaf Pervez. “It’s a battle and most matches come down to 4-3.

“We have closeness as a team,” Pervez said. “It’s obvious Michigan is a big rival, but we have to worry about Michigan State also.”

While the Buckeyes have been able to overcome the loss of key players, they will have to deal with the absence of their coach. Chuck Merzbacher will miss some time in order to recover from back surgery.

The Buckeyes will face the Spartans at 5 p.m. on Friday and the Wolverines at noon on Sunday. Both matches will take place at Jesse Owens West Recreation Center.

After this weekend, things aren’t going to get any easier for OSU. The Buckeyes will embark on a tough schedule, including eight away matches. The Buckeyes will have to deal with conference powerhouse Northwestern later in the schedule.

“We have a lot of heart and that helps us get through,” Fisk said.