Strong effort Saturday night gave the Nipissing Lakers women's basketball team a well-deserved victory and a hard-fought weekend split.

The Lakers picked up their first win of the season, improving to 1-1, thanks to an 80-58 triumph over the first-year Ontario Tech Ridgebacks.

A solid, balanced attack and contributions from everyone led Nipissing to the win.

The Lakers jumped out to a quick 22-13 lead after the opening 10 minutes thanks to some hot shooting and quick ball movement.

They extended that lead to 18 points at half time, leading 42-24 and in control of the game.

Both teams came out with speed in the third quarter as the Ridgebacks looked to close the gap and the Lakers looked to close the door.

Another 23 points for Nipissing pushed their lead to 65-46, as the Ridgebacks wouldn't go away, showing some fight late in the game.

In the fourth, Nipissing's lead was too much to overcome, as the Lakers held on and cruised to the victory.

Kylea Galipeau-Wilson had a big game, putting up 17 points, Megan McCarter had 15, Kate Dahmer and Maria Walsh had 11 and Natalie Martinez added 10 in tonight's victory.

The final score read 80-58 in favour of the Lakers, buoyed by a total team effort.

Nipissing will next be in action when they host Windsor next Saturday, Nov. 2 at 6pm at the Surtees Athletic Centre.