After a solid pre-season, the Nipissing Lakers women's volleyball was looking forward to getting into the regular season and seeing where they stood.

The season kicked off with a long road trip to Thunder Bay and the team, while not over-confident, liked their chances because of the progress they had made and the fact they defeated Lakehead in exhibition play.

Unfortunately, things didn't go the way the Lakers wanted, as they lost 3-0, not playing up to their potential.

The first set started with a big Thunderwolves win, 25-12 which put Nipissing back on their heels.

Led by hitting double digits in kills each set, Lakehead took set two 25-15 to take a commanding lead and on their way to the sweep.

In the final set, the Lakers picked up their game and put together their best effort of the match, but it was too little too late.

Despite leading 23-20, Lakehead stormed back with five straight points to take the set 25-23 and the match 3-0.

The effort was much improved in the final set, but it was too late for the Lakers as they suffered defeat.

Taylor Ley led the Lakers offence with six points, while a handful of players chipped in with kills.

Annabelle Harvey had four, Tracy Hammerton had three and Ley, Christina Caruso, Erika Lapierre and Cassie Dobson all added two.

Nipissing will look to regroup and prepare for their home opener which goes Oct. 31 against the Ottawa Gee Gees at the RJS Athletic Centre.