An improved effort wasn't enough for the Nipissing Lakers women's volleyball to break through into the win column Saturday afternoon as they hosted the York Lions.

After having an up and down start to the year, the Lakers came to play, taking the first set, but the Lions responded winning three straight to claim the 3-1 win in North Bay.

While it wasn't perfect, things got off to the start the Lakers were looking for as they took control of the opening set and came out with a 25-21 win to grab the early lead in the match.

The Lions were able to respond quickly, winning set two to even up the match, but it was the third set that really turned the tides and decided things.

In a truly back and forth set, both teams held leads, both teams fought back and things weren't sorted out until the Lions escaped with the win.

The Lakers held a 16-12 lead at the technical timeout, and fought off a few different set points to stay alive, but the Lions eventually outlasted Nipissing to win 27-25.

In the final set, it was a late run by the Lions that made the difference, as they came away with a 25-20 victory to finish off the match 3-1.

Tracy Hammerton had a strong game offensively, recording 12 kills, while Erika Lapierre picked up 10.

Nipissing is on the road next, heading to Toronto to face U of T and Ryerson Friday and Saturday, looking for a strong finish, as they play their final four matches of the semester away from the RJS Athletic Centre.

After a weekend in Toronto, the first half of the season wraps up with a road trip to Brock and York for the Lakers.