Needing just one win to earn a spot in the CUFLA playoffs for the second straight season, the Nipissing Lakers lacrosse team fell short in heart-breaking fashion this past weekend.

The Lakers dropped a pair of road games in Kingston to the Queen Gaels, 15-11 and 17-16 and ended up a win short of the post-season, finishing sixth in the East Division.

On Saturday, the Lakers fell behind early, trailing 5-3 after the first quarter and 9-5 at halftime, but it was a slow start to the second half that put the game out of hand.

Queens added on to their four goal lead by outscoring the Lakers 5-2 and took a comfortable 14-7 advantage into the final quarter of the game.

Nipissing fought back, winning the fourth 4-1, but it wasn't enough, as the Gaels hung on for the victory, forcing the Lakers to win Sunday to extend their season.

Scott Dominey continued his outstanding season, scoring four goals and adding two assists.

Keiran Peltier had a goal and four assists, Tanner Poole picked up three points, Nick Chaykowsky added two goals, while Mark Smydo, Alex DeGagne and Andrew McDonald all added singles as well.

Sunday, another slow start hurt the Lakers chances of picking up a win, as they eventually came a goal short of victory and the playoffs.

Queens jumped out to a 4-1 lead after the first quarter before the Lakers turned things on and got back into the game.

Nipissing outscored Queens 15-13 the rest of the way, but were just unable to erase the early three-goal deficit.

At halftime, the Lakers had cut into the lead and trailed 7-5.

The team each scored five times in the third quarter, setting up a thrilling final frame.

Nipissing managed six goals in the fourth – including the final four of the game and held Queens to five, but they would fall a goal short and miss out on a playoff game.

DeGagne had a big game, picking up a hat-trick and seven points, Chaykowksy added six goals, Poole had six points, Peltier had a hat-trick while Jack Drinkwalter and Smydo each chipped in with a goal as well.

Nipissing ended the season with a 3-9 record, falling a win/two points short of the playoffs and a shot at the Baggataway Cup.

The team will regroup and begin preparations for the 2018 season.