Playing with a shorthanded lineup, against a top team and at the end of a long road trip Nipissing Lakers women's hockey Sunday afternoon.

The Lakers came up short in a battle for second place in the OUA, losing 2-1 to the Western Mustangs in London.

The loss is the first on the road this season for Nipissing and is just their fourth regulation loss all year.

After a scoreless first, the Lakers got on the board when Sam Strassburger found the back of the net early in the second period.

Jade Gauthier picked up the assist on the game's opening tally.

Up 1-0 after 40 minutes, the Lakers were unable to lock the game down, as Western scored twice in the third period to steal the victory.

Danika Ranger was handed the loss, finishing with 24 saves, while Nipissing managed 20 shots on the Western net.

Nipissing is back in action this weekend, as they remain on the road, facing Ryerson Saturday and Toronto on Sunday.