The Nipissing Lakers women's basketball team and the Laurentian Voyageurs put on a show Friday night at the Surtees Athletic Centre.

Coming off two great efforts last weekend, the Lakers continue their strong play, but this time they were rewarded for their efforts.

Nipissing picked up a big 64-55 victory over the Voyageurs to not only get back in the win column, but also claim the 705 Challenge Cup.

The Lakers controlled the play for the most part early on, but Laurentian more often than not had an answer.

Nipissing had just a one point lead, 16-15, after the opening 10 minutes.

Up just the single point, the Lakers extended their lead to five before the halftime break.

Outscoring the Voyageurs 16-12 in the second quarter put Nipissing up 32-27 after 20 minutes of play.

The teams put up 14 points each in the third quarter, so the score remained the same heading into the final 10 minutes, with the decision still up in the air.

A strong start gave Nipissing a small cushion, as they outscored Laurentian 8-2 through the first four minutes.

Laurentian did answer and closed the gap, but still trailed by eight midway through the quarter.

After the Vees push back, the Lakers answered and put up a game-high 18 points in the quarter, outscoring Laurentian by another four and sealing the win.

The nine point victory is the third of the season for Nipissing.

Natalie Martinez had another big game, scoring 21 points, Devisha Binns had 10 and Maria Walsh added seven in the victory.

The Lakers hit the road next weekend, taking on York and Lakehead.