Axewomen push championship match to fifth set

Axewomen push championship match to fifth set

ST. JOHN'S, NL - The AUS Women's Volleyball Championship game matched the first place Dalhousie Tigers against the third place Acadia Axewoman. While the Tigers finished the season with a 19-1 record it was the Axewomen that handed the tigers their single loss of the season.  

First set action saw with the Tigers taking an early 16-6 lead at the technical timeoutThe Acadia Axewomen attempted to side out, regain composure, and improve on the offensive front, but ended up dropping the set to the Tigers 25-10.  

The second set was back to back action. The Axewomen took a 16-12 and held the lead to go on to win the second set 25-18.  

The third set saw both teams exchanging points early in the set until the Tigers took a sufficient lead after the technical timeout making it 17-11. They continued to maximize point separation as the set ended 25-15 in favor of Dalhousie.  

In the fourth set Acadia answered back, taking a 13-8 lead. The Axewomen continued the strong play, winning the fourth set 26-16 over the Tigers to tie to sets at 2.  

The defending champions took an 8-3 lead in the final set before switching sides. They continued to dominate throughout the rest of the set. The Tigers took the AUS Championship with a score of 15-6 to claim their 6th straight title. 

"Although we would have liked a different outcome after such a tremendous season, I'm so proud of the team for their performance this weekend. Emotionally and physically they gave all that they could possibly give and at the end of the day that's what we want come championship season," said Axewomen head coach Michelle Wood following the match loss.

"Sarah Ross and Kailey Evans have left this program in a very promising position. We finish this weekend not necessarily feeling defeated but motivated to return and take it one step further," concluded Wood.

The tournament All-Start team consisted of Sarah Dawe and Kier Fey from Memorial,  Courtney Baker and Emma Ciprick of Dalhousie, Erin Smith from St. Mary's and  Regan Herrington and Kailey Evans were named from Acadia.  

Emma Ciprick was also named tournament MVP.