The Nipissing Lakers women's basketball team never seems to be able to catch a break, but they are shrugging that off ahead of the 2016-17 season.

Lakers head coach Marg Jones has done a strong job of recruiting over the past couple seasons, but the team has battled injuries and has very seldom had a full, healthy lineup available to them.

But in saying all that, they are focused on this season – a new year, a new group of players and new expectations.

"We're very excited. It's been a long, but very worthwhile preseason for the team as we've had the opportunity to play teams from every conference in the CIS," Jones said.  "Now that the regular  season is beginning, it's time for our team to take a deep breath and put into practice what they've learned in our previous 15 games."  

Despite a few players who were supposed to be in the lineup, but will not be because of injuries, the team is looking strong and will have some real depth when they hit the court.

That has been a bit of an issue in the past, as the season has worn down, they have run out of gas due to a short bench. This year, they should be poised to make a step in the right direction and towards the playoffs.

"Yes Injuries have been an issue. No question. Losing fifth year forward Terrilyn Herrick and fifth year guard Rachel Jawarowicz to ACL injuries this year has certainly changed the complexion of our team. Both Sam Kordez and guard Alexe Galipeau-Wilson are currently out with concussions, but we hope to have them back for the second half of the season," Jones said of her team battling the injury bug. "However, our strength is still in our in or depth. Despite injuries we still can dress 12 and have been going 11 deep on a consistent basis in games. Our Guard play has improved this season as has our ability to rebound the ball."    

Led by a veteran core of Claire Abbott, who has been the team's top scorer since Day 1, Marla Corney who continues to put in hardworking minutes, Mackenzie Bahm who plays hard every game, along with Jamie Soffer and Alexe Galipeau-Wilson, who have improved the team's defence, the Lakers are well equipped for the rigours of an OUA season.

And now adding talented players like Heidi Smith, who has a year under her belt, Michaela Branker and Devanee Dewey who both have experience will make the Lakers harder to play against.

And you can't discount the future of the program, with the likes of Kendra Dennis, Sarah Layefsky, Sam Kordez – and the list goes – as they continue to build.

"Our depth will be our strength if we are able to use our bench to strategically rest our top seven players," Jones added. "Our goal is to limit minutes to a maximum of 28 per game for our top players. This will ensure their longevity this season."   

The season begins with two tough matchups against the Windsor Lancers, a team that is always near the top of the standings in the OUA and has championships under their belt.

Windsor was 15-5 during the 2015-16 season.

The following night, Western is the opponent.

Western went 14-6 last season, a strong campaign that saw them win nine straight games in the middle of the season.

Regardless of who the Lakers face, and when, they have a goal in mind as they begin the season.

"Our goal is to secure a top 12 spot in the OUA and thus make playoffs. It won't be an easy task. The league is very competitive and the OUA currently has four top 10 teams in the U Sports rankings," Jones explained. 

Both games will pose different issues for the Lakers, but with all the time, effort and hardwork the team has been putting in this pre-season, they will be ready.

Game times are 6pm both nights, Friday versus Windsor and Saturday against Western, at the RJS Athletic Centre.