DES MOINES, Iowa – The Drake University women's tennis team is set to begin the spring dual season on Monday as the Bulldogs travels to Lawrence, Kan. to take on the Kansas Jayhawks at 4 p.m.
 
This year's squad has a plenty of experience with just one freshman added to the roster. Seniors Maddie Johnson and Mariel Ante will look to lead the team, while fellow seniors Jordan Eggleston and Lea Kozulic are out for the season due to injury. Ante was named All-MVC select team after recording 13 wins at the No. 1 singles position. Johnson tallied a 17-5 singles record during dual play last year and split time between No. 2 and No. 3 singles. Johnson had a solid start to the 2015-16 season as she advanced to the finals of the consolation bracket at the ITA Central Region Championship this fall.
 
The Bulldogs have a strong sophomore class return with Summer Brills, Tess Herder and Mela Jaglarz returning from impressive freshmen campaigns. Brills posted a 16-4 dual record and recorded an 11-3 mark at No. 2 singles. Herder tallied 20 wins last year despite missing several weeks midway through the spring due to injury but finished the year strong by ending the season on a four-match winning streak. Jaglarz saw limited time on the court last spring but will see more time in the lineup this year.
 
Drake's lone newcomer is freshman Kenya Williams, who was rated as a five-star prospect and tabbed 59^th in the nation by TennisRecruiting.net, and will be looked upon to make an immediate impact.
 
The Bulldog opens their home portion of the schedule on Friday, Jan. 29 when they host Nebraska-Omaha and North Dakota at 3 p.m. and 6:30 p.m., respectively.