It was far from the beginning of the second semester the Nipissing Lakers men's volleyball team was hoping for, as they opened with high hopes of securing a playoff spot and climbing the standings.

Entering having played some strong volleyball in the first semester, as well as a tournament at York over the break, the Lakers were confident, but didn't execute like they're capable and fell in straight sets to the Ryerson Rams Friday night at home.

Things started off strong for the Lakers – and Rams for that matter – as the teams went back and forth, both scoring and playing solid defence with neither gaining the advantage.

In the end, the Rams took the first set 25-18, but things could have easily been different with a few bounces in the Lakers favour.

The second set was similar and the score was identical, as the Rams extended their lead to 2-0 with another tight victory that they were able to pull out thanks to a late push.

Ryerson sits second in the OUA and they showed it through the first two sets, picking up key points at key times and stopping any long Lakers runs.

In the final set, the Rams put the match away with a convincing victory – 25-12 – to seal the victory.

The Lakers were quiet offensively, while their defence was solid, keeping them in the match.

Jack Peckham led the Lakers with six kills, Cam Branch added six as well, while Lyndon Sonego had five and Warren Taylor chipped in with three.

The Lakers return to the court Saturday afternoon against the Toronto Varsity Blues at 2 p.m. looking for a bounce back.