SYDNEY, N.S. – Sparked by an MVP-type performance from striker Ally Rowe (Kitchener, ON), including two goals, the host Cape Breton University (CBU) Capers defeated the Acadia Axewomen in a semi-final match at the 2023 Atlantic University Sport (AUS) Women's Soccer Championship, presented by Bell – on Friday evening at Ness Timmons Field.  

With the victory, the Capers will play for a conference banner on Sunday – at 1 p.m. ADT – versus the top-seeded STFX X-Women.   

In a high-energy, back-and-forth opening half, Acadia's Abby Aucoin (Dartmouth, NS), perched near the far post, volleyed a cross that sailed wide behind Caper keeper Ellie Lancaster (Fall River, NS). 

In the seventh minute, Lancaster made a great stop on a hard strike from Alli Kelly (Dartmouth, NS) to keep it scoreless. 

Rowe gave the home side a 1-0 edge, when she deftly put a left-footed volley behind Acadia keeper Milena Ramirez (Wolfville, NS), off a picture-perfect cross from freshman forward Leah Disipio (Ottawa, ON). 

Less than one minute later – in the 10th – Grace Longley (Bedford, NS) put a shot short side that Lancaster got her hands on, but the ball trickled over the goal line to knot the contest 1-1. 

In the 39th minute, after a tremendous run from Disipio, she fed Rowe on the edge of the 18-yard box, who laced a strike inside the far post behind Ramirez to restore the one-goal Caper advantage. 

The Capers led 2-1 at halftime. 

The Axewomen collected their best scoring chance of the second half, in the 61st minute, but Lancaster made an electrifying save on Aucoin from point blank range. 

Rowe almost sealed the deal in stoppage time when she stroked a left-footed shot just wide of the goal post. 

Acadia garnered some late possession, but they were unable to threaten Lancaster and the Caper defense. 

The Axewomen outshot the Capers 20-12, including 12-6 in shots on goal. 

Rowe earned the nod as Player of the Match.