When it mattered the most and they were playing their biggest match of the year, the Nipissing Lakers women's volleyball team stepped up in a big way.

Led by an impressive performance from veteran Erika Lapierre, the Lakers cruised to a 3-0 victory over the York Lions Saturday afternoon at the RJS Athletic Centre.

It wasn't easy, but Nipissing claimed wins of 25-22, 25-22 and 25- 21 to move to 7-6 and take over sole possession of third place in the competitive East Division, helping their cause as they push for the playoffs.

In every set, after 20 points the Lakers were the dominant team.

In the first set, with the score close, Nipissing grabbed five of the last six points to come away with the victory.

While it was far from a blowout, the Lakers did lead for the majority of the opening set, setting the tone for the match.

In the second, it was a similar story as Nipissing scored five of the final six points to take over a set that was tied 16-16 midway through.

The Lakers had three different players score points to put the second set away, with Tracy Hammerton finishing things off.

And once again, in the third and final set, the Lakers scored five of the matches' final six points to pull of the sweep.

Lapierre closed out the match, picking up her 15th kill as she capped off a great effort from every in blue and white.

Leading the Lakers offence was Lapierre with 15 kills, Tracy Hammerton had 12 and Shayla Kessler added 9.5 points in the win.

The win puts the Lakers in sole possession of third place in the East Division. They have now won two in a row.

Nipissing hits the road for two matches next weekend, facing McMaster and Brock.