Despite a strong start, the Nipissing Lakers women's basketball team fell short in the final home game of the regular season Friday night.

The Lakers posted 17 points in the first quarter, but only 15 in the middle two quarters, as they dropped their matchup with the Laurentian Voyageurs 68-44 in their second to last game of the year.

The Lakers, offensively, got off to a strong start, but allowed 25 points through the first 10 minutes of play.

In the second, Laurentian extended their lead by five, taking a 37-24 lead into halftime.

Nipissing was unable to bounce back in the third quarter, scoring just eight points while allowing 16, as the Voyageurs built on their lead once again.

Nipissing played hard, as they always do, but when they needed a big basket, it always seemed to hit the rim and roll out, while Laurentian got those fortunate bounces.

In the final quarter, the Vees put the game away, outscoring Nipissing 15-12 to cap off their victory and sweep the season series with Nipissing.

As has been the case all season, the Lakers were strong on the boards, pulling down 37 rebounds compared to 29 by Laurentian.

Unfortunately, that wasn't enough.

Leading the Lakers offence was veteran and graduating player Claire Abbott with 16 points, Jamie Soffer had nine and the Lakers second grad, Mackenzie Bahm put up six.

Nipissing will look to finish their season on a high note when they hit the road for the season finale on Feb. 18 in Sault Ste. Marie.

The matchup with the Algoma Thunderbirds will close out the third season of play for Nipissing.