Box Score At home for the first time in 2024, the Nipissing Lakers women's basketball played host to the Western Mustangs and Windsor Lancers.

Taking on the Mustangs in the first of two games this weekend, Nipissing was looking to get back into the win column.

While they put together four impressive quarters and competed at both ends of the court, the Lakers fell short, losing 77-70 to the Mustangs.

A solid start to the game saw the Lakers jumped out to a 10-4 lead.

Western stormed back and grabbed a 13-12 advantage as the game proceeded towards the end of the opening quarter.

A strong finish was Nipissing grab an 18-17 lead after 10 minutes of play.

Another solid 10 minutes by the Lakers saw them keep pace with the talented Mustangs.

They trailed 31-29 near the midway mark and finished the opening 20 minutes down 38-36.

In the third quarter, down just a pair, the Lakers cut into the lead, trimming it to one by outscoring the Mustangs 16-15.

With the score 53-52 after 30 minutes of play, Nipissing looked poised to take over the game, as they stormed back late in the third.

Despite a strong effort by the Lakers, Western posted a big fourth quarter, stealing the victory by outscoring Nipissing 24-18 in the final 10 minutes and coming away with a seven point win.

Taryn Gauthier led the Lakers with 19 points, Katelyn DeCook added 16 points and 12 rebounds, Sophie Milner had 13 points and 18 rebounds and Megan McCarter scored 12 points in the contest.

The Lakers are back in action Saturday night, hosting the Lancers in the annual Shoot For Change Anti-Racism game.

Tip-off is set for 6pm at the Robert J. Surtees Athletic Centre.