IRVINE, Calif. --- Tennis dual season gets going this week with head coach Elizabeth Ferris Smith back for her seventh season at the helm of UCI women's tennis.
 
Here are four things the team is excited about with inside from Ferris Smith.
 
CAPTAINS
Alyssia Fossorier and Jenna Schlatter were named the team captains for the 2022-23 season for their leadership that they've shown on and off the court.
 
Fossorier enters her fifth season with 15 overall singles wins in 2022 and 14 doubles wins, with nine of those doubles wins at No.1.
 
Schlatter joins Fossorier not only as captains but as the No. 1 doubles pair for 2022-23. Schlatter went 5-8 in singles and 10-9 in doubles during the 2022 season.
 
"They both had solid results this past fall in singles and with each other in doubles. I am excited to see how they build off those wins during the regular season. They have also taken great pride in establishing a deeper culture of accountability and unity. They have high expectations for themselves and each other."
 
NEW FACES
UC Irvine women's tennis announced the addition of eight freshman to the roster in the fall.
 
The incoming 2022-23 class includes Carolyna Fowler, Asha Gidwani, Mikaela Hinton, Haily Huynh, Nour Khayat, Amanda Perez, Larissa Teramura, and Cydney Yamamoto. The new faces on campus gained valuable experience during the fall matches to prepare for a tough competition schedule in the spring.
 
"Our incoming freshman are tough competitors, very coachable, and aren't afraid of hard work. They are all stepping into new roles, but they look forward to that challenge. They're raising the bar and will continue to do so."
 
HOME SWEET HOME
In a 21-dual match schedule, 10 of their matches will be played in Irvine. Five of their nine conference competitions will be held on the Anteater's home court.
 
The 'Eaters will take a week long road trip to the East Coast mid-season to face two teams from New York and three from Virginia.
 
"Seven out of our nine winter quarter matches will be at home giving our family and friends a great opportunity to see us grow and compete to get ready for a tough Big West Conference schedule. With so many new freshmen, it'll be important to have that home court advantage."
 
LATE ADDITION
In addition to eight freshman, UCI has added a transfer in Kayla Meraz from a power five institution.

Meraz comes to Irvine as a sophomore who is majoring in biology with a minor in psychology. She attended Brea-Olinda High School where Kayla was a CIF semifinalist.
 
"Kayla Meraz has joined us as a transfer from the University of Arizona. She was a top recruit coming out of SoCal and is also an Orange County native. She has practiced and competed with and against some of the best players in college tennis. She will add to our competitiveness by bringing a big game that is also mature and plenty of energy. She is ready to hit her stride here as an Anteater!"
 
UCI opens duals play on Jan. 20 at home against William Jessup with a 1:30 p.m. start.