The Nipissing Lakers women's basketball team finally got their chance to show what a solid pre-season did for the program, as they began the 2024-24 OUA season Friday night.

The Lakers welcomed the TMU Bold to the Robert J. Surtees Athletic Centre in the first of two home games this weekend.

The Bold used some hot shooting and strong rebounding to down the Lakers 86-53.

In the opening quarter, Nipissing started strong, grabbing an early lead, but TMU stormed back and caught fire late in the quarter.

They ended up leading 24-12 after 10 minutes of play.

In the second, the Lakers pulled closer thanks to stronger player at both ends of the court, but again the Bold finished strong and finished the half up 45-29.

In the third, trailing by 16, the Lakers were unable to close the gap as the Bold took control of the game in the third, outscoring Nipissing 26-11 to go up 71-40 after 30 minutes of play.

Looking to chip away and finish strong, the Lakers were a step behind as they found themselves down 82-44 with about five minutes remaining in the game.

The teams traded a few baskets down the stretch, but TMU picked up the 86-53 win.

Megan McCarter led the Lakers with 22 points and Taryn Gauthier had eight in the game.

Nipissing hosts the Toronto Varsity Blues Saturday night to close out the weekend.

Tip-off is set for 6pm at the RJS Athletic Centre.