Despite playing well, it had been a tough start to the CUFLA season for the Nipissing Lakers lacrosse team.

To begin the season, they faced the defending champion, McGill Redmen and then hosted a solid program in the Queens Gaels.

After three losses – two to McGill and one to Queens, the Lakers finally got what they deserved – a win.

After falling 12-11 on Saturday against the Gaels, the Lakers bounced back in a big way to claim win number one on the season, defeating Queens 11-6 in the rematch.

On Saturday, Doug Utting led the attack with six points – four goals and two assists, while Daniel Miziolek added three goals and two assists.

Alex DeGagne had a solid game, scoring twice and adding one helper.

Nick Chaykowsky had three assists and both Tyler Goodchild and Scott Dominey had a goal and an assist.

There was very little to choose between the two teams, as they were even after the first quarter and Nipissing held a 5-4 lead at halftime.

The Gaels took the lead after three quarters, up 8-7 and held on in the fourth despite each team scoring four goals.

Three of the last four games came from the Gaels, who finished strong to claim the win and two points.

Sunday, the Lakers used six straight goals at the end of the game to walk away with an 11-6 victory, to snap their early three game losing streak.

DeGagne continued his strong play and had a huge game, scoring six goals and adding an assist to lead the way.

He also scored the final three goals of the game and four of the last six.

Chaykowsky had another big game as well, scoring twice and adding three assists, while Utting chipped in with a goal and an assist.

Miziolek and Dominey also tallied in the victory.

While they sit with a 1-3 record, which likely should be 2-2, the Lakers will now ride this momentum into their next four games, which all come on the road.

It begins with a trip to Ottawa to battle the Gee Gees and Carleton Ravens this weekend, before playing two at Trent the following weekend.

The Lakers face Ottawa Saturday at 7pm and Carleton Sunday at 2pm in our Nation's Capital.