The Nipissing Lakers women's basketball team left their blood and sweat on the court Saturday night – literally.

In a very physical and intense outing, with both the Lakers and York Lions playing a playoff-style game, the contest saw a number of fouls, as well as a nasty cut to one of the Lakers, who was forced to leave the game.

In the end, the Lakers came up short, losing 70-51 to the Lions, who controlled the rebound game and earned a lot of second chance points, giving them the advantage throughout the night.

In a low-scoring first quarter, York led 12-9 and extended their lead in the second, putting up another 15 points to head to the halftime break leading 27-21.

Nipissing was in good shape, playing hard and keeping pace with York, but the Lions once again added to their lead, putting up 23 points in the third quarter.

Down 50-38 after three, Nipissing ran out of gas in the fourth and York sealed the win, scoring another 21 points and widened their lead as they claimed the victory.

Jamie Soffer led the way for the Lakers with 16 points, while Heidi Smith added nine in tonight's loss.

Nipissing faces Toronto and Ryerson next weekend here in North Bay, as they continue their homestand to begin the second semester.