Looking to continue their hot streak to start the season, the Nipissing Lakers women's hockey team hosted the Ryerson Rams Wednesday night at Memorial Gardens.

In a battle of two top 10 teams, the Lakers - who sit fifth in the country and the Rams who are 10th - begin the first half of a home-and-home series that will cap off the first half of the season.

Wednesday, it was the Rams coming out on top, handing the Lakers their first loss of the season, after a 4-1 decision.

In the opening period, despite a number of Lakers chances, it was the Rams who struck first.

The teams went just over 17 minutes of scoreless hockey before the Rams found the back of the net off the rush, making it 1-0.

That lone goal was all the offence for the first period, as the Rams outshot the Lakers 9-7.

In the middle frame, both teams had their chances, but like the first, there was nothing to report in terms of offence.

Chances at both ends unfortunately didn't result in goals for either side and the score remained 1-0 Rams after two periods of play.

Shots were 11-9 in favour of the Rams and still favoured Ryerson through the second, 20-16.

In the third, the Lakers were able to kill off an early penalty, but the Rams struck shortly after - with 13:32 left in the period - to go up 2-0.

The Rams added to their lead seconds after a Lakers power play ended and just past the midway point of the period, making it 3-0 on the team's 23rd shot of the night.

The Lakers got back in the game late in the period as Brianna Gaffney contiuned her hot start to the season, finding the back of the net.

Katelyn Heppner drew the lone assist on the goal.

The Rams sealed their win with an empty-netter with 2:33 left in the third. 

Chantelle Sandquist finished with 23 in the saves, while the Lakers fired 23 at the Rams net.

The teams are back at it Saturday in Toronto to wrap up the semester.

Puck drop is set for 4pm at the Mattamy Athletic Centre.