The Nipissing Lakers women's team seems to do a great job of stepping up and rising to the occasion when they face the OUA's top teams.

Saturday night was no different, as they faced the Toronto Varsity Blues.

The Lakers came up short, losing 3-1 to the still undefeated Blues team, who hadn't lost a set yet this season until Nipissing took the second in tonight's contest.

The teams combined in a very entertaining and well played match, with Nipissing holding their own against a perennial powerhouse.

Up in the first set, the Lakers were unable to put away Toronto and despite having set point for more than a handful of opportunities, came up short.

Toronto showed why they are always in the championship conversation and claimed the opening set 26-24.

Nipissing showed their grit and determination, bouncing back to take the second set.

Any let down from a tough loss to open the match was erased, as they won 25-15 and evened things up.

The third set went Toronto's way, as the back and forth affair continued.

A 25-20 win for the Blues put them up 2-1 heading into the fourth set, where they looked to close out the match.

In the fourth, Toronto was able to grind out the win, but the Lakers didn't make it easy on the former OUA champions.

After a slow start that saw the Blues gain an advantage, Nipissing fought back and began to climb back into the set.

Tied 18-18 late, Toronto grabbed a strangle hold at 23-19 and 24-20, but needed a little extra as the Lakers refused to quit.

The Blues would eventually grab the win, 25-22, to take the match in four.

Erika Lapierre had a strong match, earning 15 kills and 18 points, Shayla Kessler had 10 kills and 12 points and Cassie Dobson had 9 kills and 14 points in the loss.

Nipissing will face Waterloo Friday and Guelph Saturday. Both matches start at 6pm at the RJS Athletic Centre.