Facing the defending champions to open up a season is never easy and the Nipissing Lakers lacrosse team found that out this past weekend.
Despite hanging tough throughout the two games, the Lakers dropped both contests to the McGill Redmen, losing 8-3 Saturday and 17-7 Sunday, in the opening weekend of play in the 2016 CUFLA season.
McGill is coming off a title in 2015, their second since 2012 and fifth appearance in the championship game since 2008.
The experienced Redmen showed why they are the top team in the circuit, erasing multi-goal deficits each game.
On Saturday, Nipissing held leads of 1-0 and 2-1 and were deadlocked at 3-3 before the Redmen scored five straight goals to claim the 8-3 victory.
Nick Chaykowsky, Doug Utting and Scott Dominey scored a goal apiece, while Daniel Miziolek added the lone assist.
Sunday, in much better conditions, the Lakers once again had a strong start, building up an early lead.
After the first quarter, the Lakers led 4-2 and only trailed 8-5 at half time, as McGill scored six second quarter goals.
Unfortunately, McGill outscored the Lakers 9-2 in the second half, on their way to the 10 goal victory.
Chaykowsky led the offence for Nipissing, scoring four goals, Alex DeGagne added two goals and an assist, while Kyle Weatherall added a single.
Miziolek and Tyler Goodchild each picked up two helpers.
The Lakers show positive signs despite the final result and will look to bounce back this week, once again at home, as they host the Queens Gaels.
Queens opened up their season with a 6-4 loss, so both teams will be in search of their first victory of the 2016 campaign.
Saturday’s game goes at 4 p.m. and Sunday’s contest is set for 11 a.m., both at Veterans Field.
