WINDSOR, Ont.- The Windsor Lancers women's volleyball team is set to kick-off its 2012-13 OUA season this weekend.  The Lancers begin their year with a three-game home-stand that includes two matches this weekend, as the women host Ottawa and Brock on Saturday and Sunday respectively. 

The women had some challenges in 2011-12, finishing the season with a 3-15 record that was good enough for 12th place in the OUA conference.  However, after garnering an exciting rookie class and putting together an extensive pre-season schedule, Lancers head coach Lucas Hodgson believes his team is ready to fight for a playoff spot this year.  

"We are pleased with how the team has made strides towards being ready to compete in the OUA this season," said Hodgson.  "I have been very impressed with how we have brought in some big hitters; they are starting to show their offensive potential."

The Lancers had the opportunity to play across the border which included their participation in the Julie Martin Invitational in Livonia, Mich. from September 7-8.  In total, the women took part in four invitational events leading up to the regular season, picking up multiple victories at both Ryerson and Queen's tournaments along the way.

Second-team OUA all-star Kaila Seguin (Windsor) will be a key contributor to the team's success this year.  The senior outside hitter finished third in the OUA last season with 3.31 kills per set for Windsor, which also placed her eighth in the CIS.  Seguin also placed fifth in the conference with 3.90 points per set. 

"Kaila Seguin is the key to our success once again and we are looking to her to just keep pushing the other girls to make our team better," said Hodgson. 

Other key returnees include setter Jessica Shepley (Belle River, Ont.), middle Brianna Balzer (Windsor) and outside Hannah Robson (Windsor), who all came into the year in great shape and are taking on mentorship roles within the team. 

In addition, the Lancers boast seven rookies this season, which is nearly half of the total players on its roster.  Hodgson believes he has added some offensive spice with his first-ever Windsor recruiting class. 

"We struggled with offense last year and we brought in some kids that will add fire power right away," he said.

This includes hometown native and St. Joseph's C.S. product Roshanna Matthews, a 6'0'' middle blocker who is considered one of the top local players coming into the season. 

"Roshanna is a big presence in the middle and she is very athletic, a lot of CIS coaches have commented on her potential and power," stated Hodgson, who has also added big hitter Shannon Dean on the left side.  He has also increased the team's depth at the libero and setter positions with freshman Emily Durand and Gabrielle Miletic.

"We have just solidified our team for the coming years with these rookies," he said. 

While Hodgson acknowledges the youth of his squad and believes they will hit some road bumps along the way, he believes they will be an exciting team to watch with a bright future ahead of them.  

"I want us to make a run for the playoffs and with all the players we have I think we have the ability to do that," he said.  "We will be the team that is going to just keep coming at you, and if you give us a bit of space we are going to take it."

The Lancers begin their regular season on Saturday afternoon at the St. Denis Centre, where they will take the court with Ottawa at 1:00 p.m. The women will close out their home opening weekend against the Brock Badgers on Sunday afternoon, with game-time also set for 1:00 p.m.