Against a team that has been nationally ranked on numerous occasions, a team that has a lot weapons and experience, the Nipissing Lakers women's volleyball team knew they would be in tough.

And while the match score may not reflect how things went Saturday night at the RJS Athletic Centre, the set scores tell a different story.

The Gee Gees walked away with a 3-0 win, to spoil the Lakers home opener, however, looking deeper into the match every set was close, the Lakers refused to quit and gave Ottawa all they could handle.

Ottawa held the lead and advantage for much of the first set, coming away with a 25-22 win to open the match up.

Nipissing went swing for swing with the Gee Gees, however, as both teams hit double digits in total kills in the first.

In the second, the Lakers were unable to find their footing early and fought back, but once again, came up short by a final of 25-22.

Nipissing was unable to get many great offensive looks in the second set, finishing with just four kills, but the set break seemed to be just what they needed, as the third set, they came out flying.

The teams went back and forth and the Lakers led 17-12, as well as 23-22, but the veteran Gee Gees poured it on in the end and wouldn't allow the match to continue, claiming the 25-23 victory and sweeping the match.

Christina Caruso led the Lakers attack with seven kills, while Tracy Hammerton and Taylor Ley each had six for Nipissing.

The Lakers will look to get into the win column next weekend when they host the Queens Gaels and the RMC Paladins in North Bay Friday and Saturday night.