It's an exciting time for the Nipissing Lakers men's volleyball team, as they look to continue the roll they've been on for the past two seasons, qualifying for the playoffs.

After coming just short when they initially made the jump to the OUA, the team has quickly become a perennial post-season team and now they'll look to put together a strong season and a long playoff run.

They begin their quest Saturday evening when they host the York Lions to kickoff the 2018-19 OUA season.

The Lions finished in second place last year, while the Lakers were just four points behind in third.

The year prior, York won the division, with Nipissing eight points back and in third place.

Despite past finishes, or standings at all, both teams put on a show when they hit the court and both will be looking to get off to a strong start and set the tone for the season.

The Lakers will host a pair of matches before hitting the road for the first time.

Four of the team's first six matches will be at home, all in the first semester.

And all of those six matches are against East Division opponents.

There was some turnover on the Lakers roster and while they are sure to miss some of the players who have graduated and moved on, there is a new opportunity for their returning athletes.

Depth will be a key factor for the team this year as it often is and with some new faces, it will be important to have everyone contribute throughout the season.

With Nipissing playing the entire month of January on the road – a bye week and four straight matches away from home – a quick start will be key, especially because they'll be at home the majority of the first semester.

Using home court to their advantage and making it tough on opponents who make their way north will go a long way in determining this team's fate.

And if the past two seasons, where the Lakers made the post-season, is any indication, success at home will be paramount.

Each year the Lakers advanced to the playoffs, they finished with a record above .500 at the RJS Athletic Centre.

They are a combined 11-7 at home in two seasons, while they are slightly under .500 away from home.

The plan is to start strong, set a good foundation for the season and handle what they can control and it begins this weekend.

The Lakers and Lions clash at 7pm Saturday evening at the RJS Athletic Centre.