It was a tough start to a hopeful season for the Nipissing Lakers women's basketball team.

With high hopes, but battling injuries, the Lakers took on the Windsor Lancers, one of the top teams in the country and were unable to keep pace with the Lancers.

Windsor used a strong start and a hot hand to build up a big lead after the first quarter, and a bigger lead at half as they cruised to an 81-39 victory over the Lakers.

Windsor came out strong, hitting the first shot of the game and despite a push back early from the Lakers, shot their way to a 23-9 advantage after the first quarter.

It was almost an identical second frame, as the Lancers scored 24 times, with the Lakers only putting up nine as Windsor grabbed a 47-18 lead at halftime.

Nipissing was better in the second half, scoring 21 points, but Windsor still managed to pull away, posting 34 of their own.

In the end, the Lancers, who have been a strong team for a number of years, got the better of a banged up Lakers team.

Claire Abbott was solid, scoring 13 points in her final first game of her career.

Michaela Branker added 10 for Nipissing and Marla Corney picked up seven.

???????Nipissing hits the court Saturday night at 6pm, as they host the Western Mustangs in their second game of the weekend.