Feb. 3, 2011

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – Already the winningest coach in program history, John Mercer of the Marshall University tennis teams look to notch his 150th career win against in-state rival West Virginia University on Friday in Morgantown.

Through nine seasons, Mercer has compiled a record of 149-68 (.686 winning percentage). His wins total and winning percentage are both best in Marshall program history.

The Thundering Herd (5-1) heads to Morgantown coming off a 1-1 weekend at the ITA Indoor Team National Tournament at Clemson where MU fell to No. 19 Vanderbilt and defeated No. 61 Dartmouth.

Senior Michaela Kissell is the reigning Conference USA Player of the Week for her performance at Clemson where she went 3-0; grabbing two wins in doubles action and a win in singles, with two of her wins coming against nationally-ranked opponents.

The Mountaineers enter Friday’s contest with an overall record of 1-4 and are coming off a loss to Liberty. First serve for Friday’s match is set for 2 p.m.