Head coach Jody Bronson has been searching for a complete effort all season. There have been matches when she felt some players were playing up to their potential, while others weren't. Tuesday afternoon was the first time Bronson was satisfied with each player's performance.

The Golden Eagles beat Illinois State 5-2 Tuesday at Helfaer Tennis Stadium to improve to 7-11 overall and extend their winning streak to four matches.

"Everyone came to play today," Bronson said. "It was electrifying."

Marquette pulled out three tight doubles matches to start. Sophomore Maria Calbeto and freshman Lauren Little won a thrilling 9-8 match over Illinois State's Katri Miller and Véronique Parke-Bédard at No. 1 doubles. The duo clawed back from a 1-4 deficit before tying it up 6-6, 7-7 and 8-8.

Coming from behind was the theme in doubles matches. No. 2 Francina Bonnelly and Erin Watkins won 9-7 over Nicole Schneider and Ashley Maxwell after losing the first two games.

"I was surprised about the loss since we did so well against them earlier in the season," Illinois State head coach Chris Hoover said after the match. "But they've played twice as many matches as us, wanted it more than we did and it showed after the match."

The Redbirds have played seven matches this spring and are 3-4.

The early season success Hoover referred to came in the Milwaukee Tennis Classic last September. Illinois State disposed of Marquette 6-1 en route to winning the tourney. Tuesday's battle was much different, however.

"We knew they were capable of playing this way," Bronson said. "After the match [assistant Valerie Vladea] and I told them that this is the start of a new season. You know, from here on out we need to move forward at this level of play."

The Golden Eagles picked a great time to play their best tennis of the year, as conference action begins Saturday at home. Sitting on a 3-11 record after being shutout by Michigan on March 11, the team was searching for answers. Since that time, Marquette has been dominant in four straight wins.

"They're feeling great right now after four straight wins," Bronson said. "Now we'll see if we can ride that into conference play. It doesn't get any easier from here on out."

If the Golden Eagles sustain this level of play, that may not matter. They'll be tested at home Saturday at 9 a.m. against Seton Hall, then against Syracuse on Sunday at 10 a.m.