HAMMOND, La. - The Kennesaw State women's tennis team is ready to kick off its highly-anticipated 2011 spring season on the road on Thursday afternoon as they take on Southeastern Louisiana.

The match is the first of eight consecutive road matches to start the season for the Black and Gold before they make their home debut on Feb. 18 against Coastal Carolina. Kennesaw State is 1-3 in season openers since 2007.

The expectations have never been higher for this year's Owls squad as they feature a new coaching staff, but return all six starters from last year's team that finished with a record of 12-12, 4-6 A-Sun.

The 12 wins were the most victories the Black and Gold have recorded in a season since making the transition to Division I in 2006, while the 4-6 A-Sun record qualified the Owls for their first ever A-Sun Tournament appearance.

This year's team features a wealth of experience as they are led by two-time All-A-Sun player Vera Shkundina. Shkundina finished with a record of 17-7 in the No. 1 spot last season as a sophomore.

Kennesaw State will stay in the state of Louisiana as they will take on the University of New Orleans in their next match on Friday, Jan. 28.