The Nipissing Lakers women's basketball team had a tough time in Toronto this weekend, losing a pair of games.

Friday night, the Lakers dropped  a lopsided affair, 73-35 to the defending champion, Ryerson Rams, who built up an early lead and cruised to the victory.

The Rams had a first quarter lead of 27-0 and finished the half up 41-0 on Nipissing, who fought back in the second half, but it was far too late to mount a true comeback.

Nipissing had a strong third quarter and played hard until the end, but were outmatched by the powerful Rams.

Marla Corney led the Nipissing attack with 11 points while Claire Abbott scored 10 in the loss.

Heidi Smith also chipped in with six.

On Saturday, it was once again a tough first half that caught up to the Lakers as they managed just 15 points through the first 20 minutes, on their way to a tough 66-43 loss at the hands of the Toronto Varsity Blues.

Nipissing trailed 17-10 and 29-15 after the opening two quarters, again put in a solid third quarter, but couldn't contain the Varsity Blues, who finished the game with 22 points in the fourth quarter.

Smith had a solid game, scoring 13 points, Abbott had nine and Jamie Soffer added eight in the final game of the weekend.

Nipissing will try to regroup as they face two tough opponents next weekend, hosting the Carleton Ravens and Ottawa Gee Gees.

Tip-off is set for 6pm both Friday and Saturday night at the RJS Athletic Centre.