For the Nipissing Lakers women's basketball team, Friday night's effort will go a long way in creating success in the future.

Despite falling short to the nationally ranked Carleton Ravens, by a final of 60-51, the Lakers proved they can hang with the OUA's top teams.

The Ravens started off strong, putting up a 20-point opening quarter.

Nipissing answered with 13 points of their own, but trailed by seven after one.

Carleton posted another 11 points in the second quarter, extending their lead eight points.

At halftime, Nipissing found themselves down 31-23, but had a strong effort and kept the powerful Ravens in check.

The third quarter separated the two teams as the Lakers managed just five points, compared to the Ravens 15, as Carleton took control of the game.

Nipissing saved the best for last, as they had a huge fourth quarter, scoring 23 points – outscoring Carleton by nine.

The strong final frame saw Nipissing climb back into the game, but the deficit was a bit too much to overcome.

At the end of the day, keeping the fourth-ranked team in Canada in check and limiting them to just 60 points is considered a success, even though the results didn't go the Lakers way.

Kylea Galipeau-Wilson led the Lakers with 17 points, Brianna Dodd had 12 and Natalie Martinez added 9 in Friday's contest against the Ravens.

Nipissing is back in action Saturday night as they host the Ottawa Gee Gees at 6pm at the RJ Surtees Athletic Centre.