The Nipissing Lakers women's basketball team came up on the wrong side of the decision, as they kicked off their season and hosted their home opener this Friday against the Wilfrid Laurier Golden Hawks.

The women came out with an excess of energy, but in the end, couldn't sustain the pressure, as they fell 83-40 to the Hawks. 

It was a quick start for both teams, with Nipissing managing to get ahold of the opening jump ball. Laurier was first to put points on the board draining two foul shots.

Play proceeded up and down the court unfortunately, with the Lakers trailing behind.

The first quarter ending 25-8 for the Golden Hawks, who were shooting very well coming out of the gates.

As the second quarter began, the Lakers brought the same energy they erupted with at the start of the game.

Despite Nipissing's best efforts the Golden Hawks continued to excel, ending the second quarter and half up 52-24.

As the second half kicked off and play proceeded into the third, it was difficult to tell the Lakers were down by 28 points when watching them play.

The Lakers played with a sort of persistence that showed us they belonged on the court.

All players continued strong into the fourth with Laurier leading 73-34.

The fourth quarter played out much like the last with Laurier continuously pulling ahead and our women pushing through to a final score of 83-40.

Heidi Smith led the team with 12 points and Devanee Dewey led right behind her with 11 points.

Nipissing is back on the court Saturday night when they host the Waterloo Warriors.

Tip-off is 6pm at the RJS Athletic Centre.