To be a successful team, you need different players to step up at different times and that's exactly what the Nipissing Lakers women's hockey team got Sunday.

Led by their veteran goalie and third-year captain, the Lakers made it a perfect weekend on the road, as they topped the Western Mustangs 3-1.

Leading the way was Kaley Tienhaara, who recorded a hat-trick, scoring all three Nipissing goals, and goalie Jackie Rochefort, who made 26 saves for the win.

Tienhaara entered the game with just one goal on the season, although she had 10 points, but stepped up big time in the goal department, helping the Lakers to their 12th win of the season.

Tienhaara scored her first of three in the first period, the opening frame's lone goal as she grabbed the puck and made no mistake in tight.

Taylor McManus picked up the assist on the opening goal.

Western would tie the game in the second period, as the team's finished 40 minutes even at one, with the shots favouring the Mustangs 13-8.

Tienhaara would complete the hat-trick, which included the game-winner and an empty-netter in the third, as she was all the offence Nipissing would need.

McManus earned her second assist of the game, as well as Alexane Papineau and Laura McKenzie, who drew assists on the two third period goals.

Rochefort won her second straight start, making 26 saves, including 14 in the final period.

Nipissing improves to 12-2-2 on the season and sits five points back of Guelph with a game in hand.

The Lakers will return to home ice for four straight games, beginning with Toronto and Ryerson next weekend, on Friday and Saturday night.