Acadia’s potent offence too much for Panthers 

CHARLOTTETOWN, PEI - The Pfleiderer sisters put on a show Saturday afternoon, leading the Acadia Axewomen to a convincing 55-10 win over UPEI. 

Subway Player of the Game, Laura Pfleiderer, scored a try and connected on three conversions, while her sister Emma crossed the goal line twice in the victory. 

After narrowly defeating the Panthers in a tough semifinal battle a season ago, Acadia (4-1) came into the 2017 campaign a stronger team and it showed again on Saturday. 

"Last year we were neck and neck with them in the semifinals," Laura said. "This year we're looking to amp up our game and push for a national championship." 

Axewoman Emilie Merilainen was the first to get her team on the scoreboard after she sprinted through a seam up the middle for an early 7-0 lead.  

Despite the early deficit, the Panthers (1-4) maintained their ground with powerful tackles and tough, hard fought rucks and limited Acadia's offence for an extended period of time. 

But the AUS's second ranked team couldn't be held down for long. Before the half ended, Acadia quickly crossed the goal line on two occasions. Angela Govier was the first to cross and then it was Natasha Johnson who sprinted 50 yards for the try, extending the lead 19-0.

Nicole Pahl and Harley Tucker opened the floodgates in the opening minutes of the second half with a try each, pushing Acadia's lead to 29-0. 

After Laura Pfleiderer scored her only try of the match, Panther Alysha Corrigan converted on a penalty goal to eliminate the shutout. 

With her speed and athleticism, Emma Pfleiderer also crossed for a pair of scores, which were separated by a Hayley Williams try, giving the Axewomen a commanding 55-3 advantage. 

Before the final whistle sounded, Terrisa Lynch scored UPEI's only try, as they fell to Acadia 55-10. 

The Panthers hit the road for their final regular season game on Oct. 12, when they take on the Saint Mary's Huskies, while the Axewomen host first place StFX next Sunday, Oct. 15 at 2:00 p.m.

Submitted by Thomas Becker