A slow start put the Nipissing Lakers women's basketball in a bit of a hole and despite a push later in the game, they came up short against the visiting Western Mustangs.

The Lakers dropped a 79-51 decision to the Mustangs Saturday night at the Surtees Athletic Centre in their first of a pair of weekend games – Nipissing takes on Laurentian Sunday at 1pm in Sudbury.

The Lakers trailed 10-2 midway through the first quarter and found themselves down 21-10 after the opening 10 minutes.

As the second quarter got underway, Western continued to lead, up 28-13 and pushing their advantage to 36-14 late in the first half.

At the break, the Lakers trailed the Mustangs 40-14.

Late in the third quarter, Western continued to hold a comfortable lead, up 54-29.

With 30 minutes in the books, Nipissing was down 59-32.

In the fourth quarter, the Lakers posted 19 points, but Western answered with 20 of their own.

In the end, the Mustangs came away with a victory over Nipissing in North Bay.

Maria Walsh led the offensively scoring 14 points, while Nicole Budd added seven in tonight's contest. Kylea-Galipeau Wilson had 14 rebounds, as well.

Nipissing is back in action Sunday when they travel to Sudbury to take on Laurentian at 1pm.