They will be without a number of big names this weekend as the Ireland Women's team play Scotland Women on Sunday, but their squad is strong enough to take the hit.
They open their title defence at home to Ballincollig who are currently seventh in All-Ireland League Division 2 South.
UL's main rivals this season could prove to be Highfield who are just a point behind them in the league. Highfield's women open their cup campaign with a trip to Navan.
Last year's beaten finalists, Blackrock, are struggling a bit in the league and they face a tricky home tie against current Division 2 North leaders City of Derry.
The losing teams in the first round are automatically re-routed to the Plate competition.
