The Volts finished last in both the twenty20 and one-day tournaments but are hoping to salvage something positive from the season with an improved showing in the four-day tournament.
Wellington (80 points) leads the first-class standings from Central Districts (77 points) with Auckland (55 points) further back.
Northern Districts (40 points), Otago (36 points) and Canterbury (34 points) have a lot of catching up to do with five matches remaining.
In all likelihood, it is a gap too big to bridge for the Volts but the team still has a lot to play for, coach Rob Walter said.
Otago started with a win but has lost its past four games and getting ``back into winning ways'' is important.
``And to climb up the ladder and really start putting some good team performances on the board,'' he said.
Otago's next assignment is against Central Districts in Napier next Thursday. The team will be announced on Tuesday afternoon but Walter suggested there were unlikely to be any unfamiliar names, despite the likes of North Otago's Francois Mostert performing well at Hawke Cup level.
``With due respect, the guys who have been doing well in the Hawke Cup are our guys - Jacob Duffy and Nathan Smith.
``Francois Mostert has done well as well but at this stage we want to give guys a go who are in the squad who also haven't played a lot of first-class cricket.''
Mostert has had a terrific summer for North Otago with 40 wickets at an average of 8.98. But Walter felt others, such as Otago's Matt Bacon, are closer to the front of the queue.
But he has not ruled out introducing some new players if the opportunity arises.
``We will look at that but we certainly want to put out our strongest team and compete to win games.
``If we get into a position where we can create opportunities, we will do that as well.''
Otago was forced to abandoned plans to stage a three-day intrasquad game this week and has moved its training sessions indoors.
``The indoor surface is pretty good and we can get all we need to do done here except the bowlers do not get to run in at full tilt.
``Other than that, from a preparation point of view it is all good.''
The Volts leave for Napier on Wednesday. Everybody is fit and Walter will have a ``full complement'' to select from.
