Tigers edge Axewomen in five-set thriller

Tigers edge Axewomen in five-set thriller
January 11, 2025

HALIFAX — Acadia fell 3–2 to Dalhousie in a closely contested five-set match on Saturday at the Dalplex.

Dalhousie opened the first set with a 3–0 lead, but Acadia responded quickly with a kill by Alexia Lemay-Evans, assisted by Katie MacLean, making it 3–1. Despite key kills by Allison Van Zeumeren and Jenna Lake, the Tigers closed out the set 25–15.

Acadia fought back in the second set, taking an early lead with a block and service ace from Alexia Lemay-Evans. Momentum swung midway through, highlighted by back-to-back kills from Mia Lemay-Evans. A late push by Dalhousie tied the set at 21–21, but Acadia prevailed 25–23 with a decisive kill from Lake.

The third set saw Acadia take another early lead, buoyed by strong play from Lake and blocks by Lemay-Evans. However, the Tigers capitalized on errors and surged ahead to win the set 25–12.

In the fourth set, Acadia overcame an early deficit to dominate 25–16. Strong play at the net by the Lemay-Evans sisters and a final kill from Wesley-Ann Bailey, assisted by MacLean, sealed the victory to force a fifth set.

Dalhousie controlled the early stages of the deciding set with a 4–0 run. Acadia rallied to tie the score 5–5, with a service ace by Bailey contributing to the comeback. MacLean added two critical service aces late, but the Tigers edged out a 15–13 win to take the match.

MacLean led Acadia with 34 assists and contributed two service aces. Defensively, Sophie Edgar recorded 19 digs, while Alexia Lemay-Evans added 17 digs and 14.5 points. Mia Lemay-Evans registered four blocks and 11 points.

For Dalhousie, Quinn McAleer tallied 32 assists, while Abby Melvin led defensively with 22 digs. Ella Hornby added 16 digs and 11.5 points, while Melissa Hatfield recorded 10 kills, 13 digs and three service aces. Grace Calnan was effective at the net, hitting .400 with five kills, two solo blocks, and three total blocks.

The Axewomen will look to bounce back on Sunday at home when they host the Tigers at 2 p.m. on Stu Aberdeen Court to conclude their first weekend of action of 2025.