Looking to get back into the win column after two losses last weekend, the Nipissing Lakers women's basketball team was back on home court Saturday night.

The Lakers hosted the Laurier Golden Hawks, who enter the game with a 1-4 record, but were coming off a win at Laurentian Friday night.

A high-scoring affair went to the Hawks as they defeated the Lakers 78-61 in North Bay in Nipissing's lone game of the weekend.

In the first, Laurier came out strong and jumped out to an early lead, but the Lakers fought back to hang in the game early.

After one, the Lakers trailed Laurier 26-15.

Down 11 to begin the second quarter, the Lakers climbed back into the game, outscoring Laurier in the second quarter and cut the lead to nine points.

Heading into the halftime break, the Lakers trailed 45-36.

In third, Laurier came out strong and extended their lead and continue to push the pace, pulling away from the Lakers.

After three quarters of play and outscoring Nipissing in the third, the Hawks led the Lakers 64-51.

A pushback in the fourth wasn't enough for the Lakers as they dropped the decision to the Hawks.

Taryn Gauthier led the way Lakers with 18 points, Megan McCarter had a double-double with 15 points and 11 rebounds and Sophie Milner added 13 points in the contest.

Nipissing is on the road next weekend, heading to Hamilton to face McMaster Marauders and Toronto to take on the York Lions.