History was made Friday night at the RJS Athletic Centre, as the Nipissing Lakers women's basketball team defeated the York Lions 53-46 to claim their first OUA/CIS victory.

The Lakers led from start to finish, used a balanced attack and put in a great effort to earn the win and improve their record to 1-2 early in the season.

After grabbing an early 11-8 lead, the Lakers locked things up defensively in the second quarter, only allowing five points, as they extended their lead and took a 20-13 advantage in the half.

The team actually played even in the second half, with York edging the Lakers in the third quarter 15-14 to close the gap to six points, but Nipissing answered quickly in the fourth – the most offensive quarter of the game – as they put up 19 to seal the win.

York tried to fight back, scoring 18 in the final frame, but it wasn't enough.

Veteran guard Claire Abbott led the Laker attack, scoring 24 points in 30 minutes of play, while Jamie Soffer added 10 points.

Alexe Galipeau-Wilson chipped in with three points, but was huge on the boards, picking up 10 rebounds, including eight on the defensive side of the ball.

All but three players to hit the court record points for Nipissing, as they were able to spread out their offence and keep the Lions off balance.

Nipissing shot 31 per cent from the three point line, helping their cause.

The Lakers will look to make it two in a row as they host the Queens Gaels Saturday night at the RJS Athletic Centre.

Game time is set for 6 pm.