A strong recruiting class, key returning players and a positive outlook as the Nipissing Lakers women's soccer team ready for the upcoming season.
The Lakers begin their quest back to the playoffs this weekend, hosting a pair of games as the Ottawa Gee Gees and Carleton Ravens make their way to North Bay.
Nipissing will not only be entering the season with a new look on the field, they'll be playing on a new field, as the brand new turf field on the campus will see its first OUA/USports action.
After finishing last year with a 4-10-2 record, the Lakers are looking to bounce back, but in reality they don't have very far to bounce.
Five of their 10 losses were by just one goal, proving they were hanging in there all year, but needed that extra boost and offensive push to earn points.
They do have potential up front, returning their top scorers from a year ago.
They have depth, skill and experience at each position on the field and bring a strong mix of different abilities everywhere on the pitch.
While they had a respectable 3-5-1 record at home last year, they'll truly be at home this season with the brand new field ready to go and they are hoping to make it a tough place to play for the visiting teams.
The Lakers split the first six games of the season between home and away, meaning a solid start on their own field can help the team get off to a solid start as they chase down a top six spot in the very tough OUA East Division.
First up is the Gee Gees on Saturday, a team that finished third in the division last year with a 10-1-5 record.
Historically, it's been a tough matchup for the Lakers, but a win two seasons ago and playing them tough last year should have the team assured of a competitive game.
Sunday, the Ravens visit the Lakers.
Carleton finished just two points ahead of Nipissing last season, but in the lone matchup, it was the Lakers who came out on top, winning 2-0 in North Bay.
It's sure to be an exciting season and it begins Saturday.
Both games are set for noon at the Education Centre Field at Nipissing University.
