The new season for the Nipissing Lakers women's basketball team began Friday night at home against a very strong opponent who posed an early test for the young Lakers.

The Gaels, coming into the game with a strong roster, used hot shooting and some quickness up and down the court to outrun the Lakers and hand Nipissing a 92-53 loss.

It was all Queens early as they jumped out to a 25-8 lead after the first, as they were able to take advantage of some bounces, as well as hot shooting in the opening frame.

Nipissing was strong in the second quarter, outscoring Queens 16-15, but still trailed 40-24 at halftime, needing a big third and fourth quarter to fight back.

Queens continued their strong outside shooting, extending their lead by putting up 27 points in the third.

Nipissing showed fight and a lot of skill and speed of their own, however, they found themselves down 67-46 after three.

In the fourth and final quarter, the Lakers ran out of time despite showing no quit.

Queens outscored Nipissing in the final 10 minutes and seal the 92-53 decision.

Finnley McElwain led the way for the Lakers, putting up 14 points, Kylea Galipeau-Wilson had 10 and Natalie Martinez added eight in tonight's contest.

Next up, Nipissing will host the Ontario Tech Ridgebacks, who lost at Laurentian Friday night.

Tip-off is set for 6pm at the Surtees Athletic Centre.