The 2018-19 season is just around the corner and the Nipissing Lakers women's volleyball team is eagerly awaiting their chance to step on the court.

While they have played pre-season games throughout September and October, hitting the court for the real thing Saturday evening against the York Lions will be a welcomed sight for the team.

Lakers veteran head coach Marc LaRochelle believes the OUA as a league has improved, which is a good thing and his team excited about the challenge ahead.

"We are very excited to start the 2018-19 season. Having a chance to watch some teams during the pre-season it is obvious that the league will be very competitive this season," he said. "We understand that we need to come to play every day and we need to battle for every point in order to be successful."

Nipissing has a solid core of returning players mixed in with some new faces.

That combination should make for strong depth, as well as balance on both offence and defence.

LaRochelle has also been impressed with his veterans who have led the way in the pre-season.

"Our leadership group has done a great job of creating a strong team-first culture and we look forward to facing the challenges of a long OUA season together," he explained.

Nipissing will have their chance to show off their new lineup Saturday against the Lions – a good test to begin the campaign.

The Lakers will host three matches in a row before hitting the road for the first time.

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

And of those seven matches in the first half of the season, only a matchup against Lakehead on Nov. 10 is against the other division.

A quick start will be huge for the team as they look to qualify for the OUA playoffs for the first time since making the jump in 2013-14.

In 2016-17 the Lakers were one win away from the post-season and last season they missed out by one set, losing the tie-breaker to the York Lions.

They are hoping their fortunes turn around this year, but they know they can control their own destiny and by playing well, staying consistent and focusing on their own game, they'll be able to accomplish their season's goals.

"We have a great mix of veterans, transfers and rookies. We have a very balanced line-up with some depth," LaRochelle said.

The Lakers meet the Lions at 5pm Saturday evening at the RJS Athletic Centre.