The Nipissing Lakers men's volleyball team and the McMaster Marauders put on a show Saturday afternoon.

The Lakers, who are in a battle for a playoff position, went to-to-toe with the West Division's top team and although they came up short, losing 3-1, they played a very strong match and should hold their heads high.

It was a strong start for the Marauders, as they controlled the early part of the game and reached the technical timeout leading 16-7. Nipissing fought back, but McMaster took the set 25-17.

Nipissing elevated their play in the second set, leading 16-14 at the technical timeout and only excelled from here, taking the set 25-20 and tying the match.

Both teams were feeding off the energy in the gym, but McMaster was able to silence the home crowd early in the third, leading 16-10 at the break.

The Marauders were in control in the third, cruising to the 25-16 win and moving ahead in the match.

Refusing to go away, the Lakers started off strong with a 7-0 lead but, McMaster didn't fold and pushed back.

Nipissing led 16-11 at the technical timeout.

All match, the teams went back and forth, eventually finding themselves deadlocked at 23-23 late in the set.

Things didn't end there, either.

The teams continued to trade points and it wasn't until a final push from McMaster saw them grab the final two points of the game to win 30-28 and claim the match.

A very entertaining and well-played match saw McMaster come out on top, 3-1.

Cameron Branch, who reached 1,000 OUA kills in the process, led the way with 19.5 points, Warren Taylor chipped in with 10 and Jeremie Murray added 8.5 in Saturday's contest.

Nipissing is back in action Sunday when they host Brock at 2pm.