Facing one of the top teams in CUFLA and a perennial contender, the Nipissing Lakers lacrosse team held their own to begin the season Saturday night.

The Lakers battled all 60 minutes, but came up short, losing 13-9 to McGill to begin the 2019 campaign.

Despite scoring first, the Lakers found themselves down 5-2 after the first quarter.

Kieran Peltier scored first before McGill scored three straight.

Tanner Poole cut into his team's deficit, but McGill scored twice late to hold a three goal lead after 15 minutes.

Nipissing outscored McGill 3-2 in the second quarter thanks to goals by Scott Dominey, who had two and Will Craig.

Trailing 7-5 at halftime, Nipissing looked to start strong in the second half, but McGill had answer as both teams found the back of the net three times.

Craig had two more, while Bo Peltier scored his first of the year.

Down two heading into the final frame, Nipissing looked to comeback, but it was McGill who sealed the victory, extending their lead to four and holding on for the victory.

Dominey had the lone goal in the fourth for Nipissing.

He finished with three goals and four assists, while Craig had a hat-trick, Kieran and Bo, along with Poole each had singles.

Nipissing hosts the Carleton Ravens Sunday evening at 5:30pm at Nipissing Field.