A winning record, a playoff spot and an overall successful season was the story of the 2016-17 campaign for the Nipissing Lakers men's volleyball team.

However, they're not satisfied.

Nipissing did manage to earn their way into the OUA post-season for the first time since joining the league, but a first round loss has left a bitter taste in their mouth.

Now it's time to not only get there, but make some noise while they're there.

It took a lot of hours, a lot of hard work and commitment, but the team is looking for more of the same this year, which begins Friday at home to the York Lions.

The Lakers split their season-series with the Lions last year, winning on the road, but losing on home court.

Lakers head coach Eric Yung said it won't be an easy climb back to the post-season, but he's excited about the opportunity to get back.

"Lots of new faces to the program, but we have had lots of time to get adjusted to each other and for the new guys to adapt to our culture. We are anxious to get the season started to see where we stand for this upcoming season. We felt we underperformed last year in our first ever playoff appearance, that can't be the excuse this year," Yung said. "We will look towards our three senior players to carry a heavy workload and they will need to perform in order for us to make a deep run into the playoffs. Jeremie Murray or Randy Beauchamp will have to fill the void left by Jack Peckham either individually or collectively. Young setters Ryan Samuelson and Eric Ellison will be in charge of running our offense."

The Lakers did have a roster overhaul during the off-season, losing a number of veterans, but a few transfers, solid recruits and the returning players still gives the team a lot of weapons to use during the season.

There's no doubt the journey back to the post-season won't be easy, but it's a welcomed challenge for the program, as they look to continue to make a name for themselves.

Nipissing had three winning streaks last year – two three-game and a five-game streak – proving they can sustain strong play.

The team will be looking for more of the same, beginning with a strong showing Friday night.

After their home opener, the Lakers hit the road and travel to Kingston to face Queens and RMC before returning home for four straight home matches to close out the first semester of play.

Match time is set for 8pm Friday night.