While it wasn't a win and the full three points, it was a great effort and a well deserving single point for the Nipissing Lakers women's soccer team Saturday afternoon.

The Lakers began their season by hosting the Ottawa Gee Gees and each of the teams walked away from the pitch with a point after a hard-fought 1-1 draw.

Ottawa held the edge in total shots, but overall, the chances were pretty even and Nipissing had a number of chances towards the end of the game, as they pressed for the win.

The first goal of the season came off the foot of last year's goal leader, Andrea Young, as she hammered home a shot from outside the crease to the top corner to give Nipissing a 1-0 lead at the 35-minute mark.

The Lakers held the one-goal lead into halftime and looked to add to it, but it was the Gee Gees who responded.

They tied the game at the 58-minute mark on a pretty passing play.

Despite chances from both teams in the final 30 minutes, the game ended in a 1-1 draw.

Mykaela Volpe was very strong in goal, making seven saves, including a couple impressive stops with the score tied.

Nipissing managed three shots on goal, but had a number good chances that went just wide of over the net – or were blocked on their way to goal.

The Lakers will look to finish the weekend off in style when they host the Carleton Ravens Sunday at noon at the Education Centre Field.