Up against another strong program and a perennial playoff team, the Nipissing Lakers women's volleyball team held their own Sunday afternoon.

Nipissing was on the wrong end of the decision, losing 3-0 to the Western Mustangs at the RJS Athletics Centre, playing in their final home match of the regular season.

It wasn't for a lack of effort and grit, however, as the Lakers battled to the very end and competed for every point.

In the opening set, Nipissing got off to a strong start and held a slight 12-9 lead.

Western replied and took a 16-15 lead at the technical timeout.

Nipissing once again fought back and climbed within three, but Western held on for the 25-22 win.

The middle set was fairly similar, as Nipissing trailed 16-11 at the break, fought back to climb within two points late, but the Mustangs held on to clinch the set 25-22 and move up 2-0 in the match.

In what turned out to be the final set, Western led Nipissing 17-14 midway through the set and held off another late push by the Lakers to come away with a 25-21 victory.

Three hard fought wins led to a sweep by Western over the Lakers.

Cassie Dobson led the Lakers with 11 kills and 12 points, Olivia Robinson had nine points and Shannon Lebreux had 7.5 points Sunday versus Western.

Nipissing finishes up the year on the road facing Toronto and Trent next weekend.