SPOKANE, Wash. - In the fall it was the addition of a new assistant coach, Caroline Lilley, and this spring it is the addition of a new state-of-the-art tennis facility, Stevens Center, to raise the excitement of the Gonzaga University women's tennis team.

"We are chomping at the bit to start the spring," head coach D.J. Gurule stated. "This has been an exciting time for us. The team is working the hardest since I have been here. I can't wait for us to go out and start playing someone besides ourselves."

The squad opens the 2014 spring season Friday at 5 p.m. when local rival Eastern Washington University visits the 72,000-square-foot Stevens Center on the edge of the Gonzaga campus. The EWU dual is the first of two matches over the weekend; GU hosts University of Idaho Sunday at 11:30 a.m.

While the opener has been in the players' minds for months, the hard work and preparation for this weekend began in the fall with the first assistant coach in program history.

"The hiring of Caroline Lilley has been a major addition for us," Gurule complimented. "She has been an immediate help with our fitness and mentality. She brings so much passion and experience, that it is like having another head coach. She has played at the peak of college tennis and her expertise has been second to none."

Improvements were noticed in the fall tournament schedule as the Bulldogs had three players (Franziska Koehler, Kylie Peek and Samantha Polayes) pick up eight wins. Isabell Klingert was just behind, with seven wins of her own.

"As a coaching staff, Caroline and I are on the same page," Gurule explained. "We know what we want to see in terms of development. We are seeing each player improving and that is translating into our mentality. Our expectation is to make the Stevens Center a tough place to face the Zags."

The Bulldogs have have an experienced group returning. Familiar faces on the court will be juniors Katie Edwards, Alexandra Tallas and Sandy Dennett; and sophomore Melanie Yates. Hanley Caras is the lone senior on the roster.

"This group is playing with a chip on their shoulder," Gurule said. "We are not the same team as last year, even though we have a similar roster. The squad is improved and they want to show that. There is a lot of pride and I expect that to show in our play."

The Zags will have the opportunity to showcase itself, as well as the new facility, when hosting 11 home matches this spring. Gonzaga will have its first five duals of the year in Spokane before hitting the road Feb. 22 to face Utah State University in Seattle.

"This is an exciting time for Gonzaga tennis," Gurule said. "We are fortune to have a new home and the support of the Bulldog community. I like our fierce determination and I can't wait to see what we can do."