Friday night wasn't the kind of effort the Nipissing Lakers women's volleyball team needs, but Saturday was.

Despite the result, which was a 3-1 loss to the Ryerson Rams, the Lakers played a much improved match and battled for every point, which is the style they need to play.

Their relentless attack and effort saw them come back from down a set to even things up, however, Ryerson would take the next two sets and match.

After three straight wins, the Lakers have dropped two in a row, but are still hold on to fourth place and the final playoff position in the East Division.

Ryerson started the match strong, as they were able to gain an early lead and ride that momentum into a 25-21 victory, but the Lakers didn't make it easy.

Nipissing was unable to close the gap late in the set, trailing 15-14 and had the game within two points at 22-20, but it wasn't enough as Ryerson claimed the win.

The Lakers' energy level remained high, as they came out strong in the second set, but it wasn't until the midway point of the set when they pulled away.

Nipissing led 10-9, extended the lead to 20-16 late and pushed for the win, taking it home 25-20.

Unfortunately, Nipissing was unable to keep the momentum after a big win, as they dropped the third set 25-14.

In the fourth set, the Rams put the match away, but the Lakers didn't make it easy, as they took a 15-9 deficit and closed the gap to 17-14, but they were unable to climb all the way back and fell 25-18.

Tracy Hammerton had a monster game, recording 18 kills and 21 points, Erika Lapierre had eight kills and 11 points and Shayla Kessler had six kills in the match.

The Lakers now have a 4-2 record at home and a 5-5 record overall, till good for fourth place in the East.

The Lakers are back in action next weekend, hitting the road to face Waterloo and Guelph.