Some people love the thrill of competition, and Debra Streifler is one of them.

The senior captain of the women's tennis team spends as much time on the court as possible.

Of her 10 singles matches in the dual season, six have gone to a decisive third set. That doesn't seem to bother her. She has won five three-set matches.

"If one set doesn't go my way, I just try to fight back," Streifler said. "I just mentally prepare myself to be out there as long as I possibly have to be out there."

In addition to a 5-1 record in three-set matches, the senior is in the midst of seven-match winning streak.

But after she won her fifth-straight set she wasn't aware of the fact.

She doesn't revel in her past accomplishments. Instead, she prefers to look ahead to her next opponent.

"I prepare for every match the same way, whether it's a top-10 team or someone who is not ranked," Streifler said. "Every match for me is another way for me to go out there and have a good time."

It isn't surprising that the Highland Park, Ill. native, who moved into eighth place in school history with her 75th career singles win on Thursday, doesn't pay attention to her spot in the record books.

"When I'm done with my career here, I am not going to remember what number I am in Michigan history, which is such an honor," Streifler said. "It is going to be how the team does. I could be winning matches but if the team isn't winning, it doesn't mean anything to me."

Although Streifler prefers not to talk about her achievements, Michigan coach Bitsy Ritt believes Streifler is currently playing the best tennis of her career.

Streifler hasn't been a mainstay in the starting lineup for her entire Michigan career. Before this year, she never played above No. 5 singles, but her recent play has made her a fixture in the rotation and a force at No. 3 and 4 spot.

"She's a smart competitor, and she is good at picking apart her opponents' weaknesses," Ritt said. "She knows how to win and play a lot of different styles."

Junior Elizabeth Exon points to Streifler's mental toughness as the source of the senior's success.

"She is such a fighter," Exon said. "She is intense and never gives her opponent anything."

Combining that fighting spirit with a potent forehand, a backhand to set up said forehand and the ability to move up to the net to attack has translated into success in both singles and doubles for the right-hander.

Before this season, Streifler didn't compete in No. 1 doubles, but it appears she has found a suitable partner.

After debuting at No. 1 doubles with junior Kara Delicata against UNLV on March 3, the duo has compiled a 3-2 record in its last five matches.

"I am more of a laid-back person on the court, and she is going (and) going all the time, and it really helps me to get my energy up," Delicata said.

Whether it's singles or doubles, Streifler has shown that she is prepared to do anything she can to lead her team to victory.

Streifler and her teammates will start their Big Ten season when they travel to East Lansing on Wednesday.