Box Score 1 It was there for the taking, but the Nipissing Lakers men's volleyball team fell just short.

The Lakers dropped a pair of matches on the weekend, including a thrilling five-setter Saturday afternoon.

The Lakers lost 3-2 to the Guelph Gryphons Saturday and 3-0 to the Waterloo Warriors Sunday on the road.

In the first match, a slow start put the Lakers behind the eight ball, but they stormed back to send the game to a fifth set.

Guelph came out strong and defeated Nipissing 25-11 and 25-19 to take a commanding lead, but the Lakers responded, winning 25-21 and 25-23 to force a decision game.

In the fifth, Guelph outlasted the Lakers and won 15-8 to claim the match.

Steve Wood led the way with 19 points, Jeremie Murray had 15 and Liam Ludlow added 12 in the match.

On Sunday, Nipissing ran out of gas, losing in three.

Waterloo claimed the sets 25-20, 25-21 and 25-13.

Wood once again led the way with 11.5 points, Ludlow added seven points and Murray had six for Nipissing.

Nipissing returns to home court this weekend when they face Queens Saturday and RMC Sunday.