It was far from easy and far from how they drew it up, but the Nipissing Lakers women's volleyball team earned their fourth straight victory Saturday afternoon.

The Lakers built up a 2-0 lead in the match, before the visiting RMC Paladins stormed back to fourth a fifth set, but Nipissing was able to bounce back and take the win to improve to 6-2 on the season.

The Lakers started slow throughout the match, but they managed to straighten things up quickly, winning the first set 25-17 to begin the match.

Another slow start had Nipissing playing catchup, but it didn't take long for them to regain control of the set and match, claiming the second set 25-19.

Despite being down 2-0, RMC refused to quit and avoided the sweep, winning the third set 25-22.

In the fourth set, the Lakers looked to lock down the win, while RMC looked to stay alive.

Down 21-12, the Lakers started heating up and closed the gap, but the Paladins avoid the collapse, won the set and forced the teams into a fifth and deciding set.

A stronger start from the Lakers had them up 8-3 at the technical timeout, but again, RMC battled until the end.

Nipissing held a 13-11 lead late and held on for the 15-12 victory.

Annabelle Harvey had a strong game, earning eight kills and 14.5 points, Shayla Kessler added nine kills and 12 points, while Cassie Dobson chipped in with six kills and 11.5 points in the victory.

The Lakers will play a pivotal match Sunday afternoon against the Queens Gaels.

The match is set to begin at noon at the RJS Athletic Centre.