It wasn't for a lack of trying, a lack of chances or a lack of effort, but the Nipissing Lakers men's hockey team came up short Saturday night.

The Lakers went toe-to-toe with the Waterloo Warriors, but it was the Warriors who came away with the 4-2 victory, claiming the two points at Memorial Garden Saturday night.

The Warriors scored three times in the third period, including an empty-netter, to take home the win despite being outshot by Nipissing.

The lone goal of the first period came from the Warriors, who led 1-0 after 20 minutes of play.

In the second, Danny Desrochers' shorthanded goal evened things up as the teams were tied 1-1 through 40 minutes of play.

The Lakers took the lead when Joel Herbert broke in alone and made no mistake, going five-hole on Waterloo goalie Trevor Martin.

The goal was set up by Erik Robichaud, who advanced the puck to Herbert, who showed his great speed, and buried the puck.

The lead lasted about five minutes, but no longer as the Warriors tied the game up.

From there, they would added the game-winner just after the midway point of the third period and they sealed the win with a goal into an empty-net, as Nipissing pulled their goal in favour of the extra attacker.

Domenic Graham was very good in the Lakers net, finishing with 32 saves.

The Lakers will not focus on an upcoming road trip, when they head to UOIT and RMC next weekend for a pair of games.