Box Score With a chance to make a statement in their final weekend of the regular season, the Nipissing Lakers women's hockey team hosted the top-ranked Toronto Varsity Blues on the weekend.

In the first matchup of two on the weekend, the Lakers dropped a 4-1 decision to the Blues.

The lone goal of the first period came from the Blues, who actually jumped out to a 3-0 lead before the Lakers responded.

The game's opening goal was a power play marker and put Toronto up 1-0 after the first.

The Blues tacked on two goals in the middle frame, making it 2-0 once again thanks to a power play goal and scoring just 35 seconds late to go up 3-0.

With the score 3-0 after 40 minutes, the Lakers got on the board near the midway mark of the third period.

Jetta Derenoski scored her fifth of the season, setup by Maggie McKee and Malory Dominico, as that trip continues to stay hot this season.

Unfortunately, that was as close as the Lakers would get.

Toronto added an empty-netter as Nipissing pushed to get back in the game.

Chantelle Sandquist finished with 11 saves in the loss, while Chloe Marshall stopped the four shots she faced.

The Lakers finished with 27 shots on the Blues net.

The two teams are back in action to close out the regular season Saturday afternoon.

Puck drop is set for 2pm at Memorial Gardens.