The Nipissing Lakers women's hockey team hit the ice for real Thursday morning, beginning the OUA season on the road in Sudbury, taking on the Laurentian Voyageurs.

As is often the case, the teams were involved in a tight contest, with the Lakers coming out on top by a final of 3-1.

Brianna Gaffney opened up the scoring on the new season, scoring the first goal of the year in the first period.

The unassisted marker was the only one of the first 20 minutes, as Nipissing held a 16-8 advantage in shots.

The teams traded goals in the middle frame, with the Voyageurs tying the game up early on in the period.

Nipissing regained the lead thanks to Hunter Mosher who buried her first of the year, set up by Victoria Quance and Melanie Young – both earning their first OUA points.

Up a goal after 40 minutes, the Lakers also led on the shot clock, up 30-16.

Nipissing sealed the win in the third, adding another tally off the stick of skilled forward Maria Dominico.

Teagan Feltz picked up the assist – her first as a member of the Lakers.

Final shots read 40-22 in favour of Nipissing, as Danika Ranger finished with 21 saves for the victory.

Nipissing remains on the road for a pair of games next weekend, when they travel to take on the Laurier Golden Hawks and Waterloo Warriors.

The team's home opener is set for Nov. 1 at 11am at Memorial Gardens.