It wasn't a playoff match, but by the atmosphere in the RJS Athletic Centre, it sure could have been.

Coming off a key win, the Nipissing Lakers men's volleyball team looked to make it a perfect weekend and win their third in a row, as they hosted the Queens Gaels.

It was no easy task, but the Lakers came away with a 3-1 win, moving them into sole possession of third place and heading in the right direction to begin the second semester.

Nipissing was first on scoreboard, their power and speed allowing them to gain the technical time out at 16-12, a lead they wouldn't relinquish in the first set, as they cruised to a 25-20 win.

In the second set, the Gaels responded.

Queens led 16-7 at the technical timeout and refused to look back, making quick work of the second set, winning 25-18 to even up the match.

With the score tied 17-17 in the third, both teams looked to gain an advantage to take a stranglehold on the match.

Nipissing was able to pick up some key points down the stretch, winning 25-20 to go up 2-1 and in a position to add another win.

The two teams went back and forth through the fourth set, with the teams even at 21-21 and 24-24.

Nipissing stepped up and closed out the match, 26-24, to pick up a key win.

Cam Branch had a monster game, picking up 20 points, Steve Wood added 14.5 and Jeremie Murray chipped in with 9.5 in the victory.

Nipissing is on the road next weekend, when they face Toronto and Ryerson in Toronto.