Coming off a strong 2016-17 season where they finished just two points out of the OUA playoffs, the Nipissing Lakers women's volleyball team is looking for more progress.

The Lakers have steadily improved as they enter their fifth season in the OUA and while the playoffs will remain the goal, they are only focussed on the match directly ahead of them – Friday versus the York Lions.

Nipissing will begin the season with a home date against the Lions and will play five of their first seven matches on their home court, at the RJS Athletic Centre.

Lakers head coach Marc LaRochelle is excited to get going and believes his team's depth will serve them well throughout the season.

"We are very excited to begin the 2017-18 regular season. Although we made some significant steps last season, we realize that every season is a new beginning," he said. "We know we are facing a tough opponent in York and we will need consistent execution in all phases of the game to reach the desired outcome."

The Lakers split their season-series with York last year, with each team picking up a sweep at home.

Like last year, Nipissing begins with just one match in their opening weekend – in 2016-17 they defeated Lakehead at home to kick off the campaign.

They're hoping for the same this year, as they drive for their first playoff appearance as a member of the OUA.

While they did lose key veterans last year, the team has had a strong recruiting class and has added at each position throughout the lineup which should give them a boost in several areas.

On top of their recruiting class, the team did bring back key players at each position, giving them experience all over the court, but also some new looks which will hopefully cause problems for the opposition.

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.

Getting off to a good start, especially on home court, will be key for a success season for Nipissing as they kick off Year 5 in the OUA.

Match time is set for 6pm Friday night.