The Otago under-21 team is hoping to build on an improved showing and maybe create a little history.
The team has traditionally struggled at the national under-21 tournament, but last summer it won a couple of games.
Coach Nathan King is optimistic his side can go to another level when the event gets under way in Auckland tomorrow.
"I'm really hopeful we'll produce a number of really strong performances," he said.
King, who also coaches the Sparks, said a lot of his side has had a taste of cricket at a higher level, and that should stand this year's tournament team in good stead.
"Historically they have certainly struggled. They won a couple last year, but wins have been tough to come by in the past."
Nine of last year's team are back for another shot, although star all-rounder Kate Heffernan is only available for the first three days.
She is a contracted Steel player and is balancing both netball and cricket in what is a hectic schedule.
The 19-year-old was Otago's leading scorer and joint leading wicket-taker. Her twin, Georgia, missed the campaign last season through injury but is fit and should have an impact with both ball and bat.
St Hilda's Collegiate star trio Olivia Gain, Eden Carson and Emma Black are fresh from steering their side to victory at the national girls secondary school title last week.
Carson top-scored in the final with a rapid half century and was more than handy with the ball as well. She did not get many opportunities with the bat for the under-21s last season, so it will be interesting to she how much she has progressed in the past 12 months.
Fellow St Hilda's pupil Molly Loe is another worth watching. She took four for five to help dismiss Wairarapa College for just 29.
The year 10 swing bowler looks to have a lot of cricket ahead of her.
Otago opens its campaign with a one-dayer against Wellington tomorrow.
Each side will play four one-dayers and three twenty20 games.
Central Districts won the tournament last season.
Women's U-21 tournament
Auckland, December 15-21
Otago: Ella Brown (captain), Emma Black, Tayla Brown, Eden Carson, Harriett Cuttance, Olivia Gain, Georgia Heffernan, Kate Heffernan, Bella James, Marina Lamplough, Molly Loe, Megan Meltzer, Olivia West.
Otago’s draw
Tomorrow, v Wellington, one-dayer
December 16, v Northern Districts, one-dayer
December 17, v Canterbury, one-dayer
December 19, v Auckland, one-dayer
December 20, v Central Districts, twenty20
December 20, v Wellington, twenty20
December 21, v Canterbury, twenty20
