HARROGATE, Tenn. -- As the end of the year approaches, the Lincoln Memorial University athletics department is counting down the top 20 moments of 2015. Women's tennis player Elena Vasilyeva (Yaroslavl, Russia) takes the No. 15 spot by virtue of an impressive winning streak.
 
Vasilyeva had a rough start to her junior season, dropping a three-set match to Cumberlands' Isabella Dale and a straight-set decision to Eastern Kentucky's Amandine Faouzi.
 
But the Yaroslavl, Russia native went on an absolute tear after slipping to 0-2, winning eight consecutive straight-set matches. Vasilyeva then pushed her winning streak to nine with a hard-fought 6-2, 4-6, 10-5 triumph over Kealee Heffner, the top player for the 31st-ranked Tusculum Pioneers.
 
With hopes of becoming the first LMU women's tennis player in four seasons to win at least 10 straight singles matches, Vasilyeva cruised past Newberry's Elizabeth Williamson in straight sets (6-2, 6-3) on April 4 at the LMU Tennis Complex.
 
In the process, Vasilyeva became the first Lady Railsplitter to compile a double-digit match winning streak since Sofia Lopez-Mimendi won her last 17 singles matches in 2011, albeit at the No. 2 flight. She was the first LMU player to win at least 10 straight singles matches at the top flight since Kathleen Rollet won 12 straight in 2008.  
 
Vasilyeva finished the 2015 campaign with an 11-3 singles record and earned her second consecutive All-South Atlantic Conference first team plaudit.
 
The top 20 moments of 2015 countdown continues on Wednesday with moment No. 14.

Relive the top 20 moments of 2015
No. 20 - Senior Day Surprise
No. 19 - Doubles Dominance
No. 18 - SAC Cross Country Championship Comes to Town
No. 17 - Elliott Shines in SAC Track and Field Championship
No. 16 - Baseball Takes Two from Carson-Newman in Dramatic Fashion