As they approach the playoffs, the Nipissing Lakers men's volleyball team is looking to be at their best.

With a playoff spot clinched, the final two matches of the season will go a long way in terms of preparation for their first round matchup.

In their second-to-last game of the regular season, the Lakers welcomed the Toronto Varsity Blues to the Surtees Athletic Centre and in a playoff-style match, it was the Blues coming away with a 3-2 win, after a 15-13 win in the fifth set.

In the opening set, Nipissing jumped out to the lead, staying ahead of Toronto through the early part of the set.

After leading 7-4, Nipissing saw Toronto fight back and the teams were tied 16-16 midway through the set.

The Lakers would outscore the Blues 9-6 down the stretch to take home the first game.

Toronto responded in the second set, grabbing an early 8-4 lead and controlling the set, up 16-6 at the technical timeout.

They would cruise to a 25-18 win to even up the match.

With the match tied 1-1, the third set saw the Lakers jump out to an early 6-2 lead.

They extended their lead to 16-12 at the technical timeout.

Nipissing held on to their lead throughout the set and it resulted in a 25-18 victory in the set to give the Lakers advantage in the match.

In the fourth, Toronto grabbed an early, up 6-4, but Nipissing fought back and led 12-10 just before the technical timeout.

The Blues responded with a run of their own and retook the lead, 16-14, midway through the set.

The teams went point-for-point, tied 20-20 and then again at 24-24 before the Blues were able to edge the Lakers 26-24 to claim the fourth set and send the match to a fifth and deciding set.

In the final set, the Lakers grabbed an early 6-4 lead, as the teams raced to the finish.

The Lakers took an 8-7 at the technical timeout.

Nipissing was first to 10, as they led by one as they hit double digits.

An absolute thriller saw the teams once again match points, finding themselves tied 13-13 late in the final set.

The Blues managed to grab the final two points of the set and match to sneak out the 15-13 victory and claim the match.

Nipissing hosts the Trent Excalibur next Sunday afternoon to wrap up the regular season.

Match time is set for 4pm at the Surtees Athletic Centre.