Three weeks ago, it would have seemed unlikely for Elizabeth Exon to lead her team to victory.

But this weekend, that's exactly what she did.

After beginning the season a paltry 1-7, the senior has turned her game around, ripping off four straight wins, including two straight-set victories this weekend. Exon was integral to the Wolverines' 4-3 win over Western Michigan and 6-1 victory over Alabama this weekend.

"Each year she has had a little patch where she doesn't play as she wants to," Michigan coach Amanda Augustus said. "She's a heck of a competitor in conference, and she did the things she needed to do to get back on track."

Exon started things off with a 6-2, 6-3 win over Western Michigan's Ashley Moccia, and then a 6-0, 6-2 win over Alabama's Andrea Brenes. The California native used her accurate serve to set up easy points.

After taking an early lead against both, Exon used both momentum and her passion for tennis to win with cross-court points and frustrated opponents with a deceptively powerful serve despite her small physique. Her screaming and overall emotional play garners her the affection of the fans, one of whom calls her the "Ex-factor."

"I am really passionate and competitive with my tennis," Exon said. "Even though I can go into a downward spiral, I have gotten better at focusing at the positives."

Exon has always been somewhat of a streaky player, and it is easy to tell why. By exerting so much emotion into her tennis, any swing in momentum has a huge effect upon her. But, her energy and confidence make Exon a tricky opponent.

"I've been like this since I've been a freshman," Exon said. "I struggle at first, but once I get in a groove, I am so much better."

Exon's resurgence has been one of many recent blessings for the Wolverines, who have now won four straight dual meets. After beginning the dual-match season 0-8 in doubles play, Michigan has since gone 3-1.

Michigan won all three doubles matches against Alabama, led by the tandem of sophomore Chisako Sugiyama and senior Jenny Kuehn. The duo handled the opposition by volleying to force the Crimson Tide into costly mistakes.

"We have been practicing doubles with different people and working on poaching, volleys and longer points," Sugiyama said. "A combination of these helped us to pull off the doubles points."

Augustus has recently preached aggressiveness to her players, especially in doubles. By forcing your opponent into mistakes, it is much easier to win. She has also tinkered with her doubles lineups, assembling combinations that have given Michigan some consistency

"Jenny (Kuehn) and Chisako have had some huge wins for us," Augustus said. "The improvement of Tania Mahtani and her play with Kara Delicata has also been important for us."

Michigan survived a scare against Western Michigan on Saturday. With the two teams deadlocked at three matches apiece, Wolverine freshman Tania Mahtani prevailed 6-3, 4-6, 6-3 in the No. 4 singles match, delivering the 4-3 win for Michigan.

"They always surprise a few people each year," Augustus said. "We didn't play as well, especially in doubles, but we learned some good lessons from the close win."