Axewomen edged by UNB in five-set thriller

Axewomen edged by UNB in five-set thriller
January 18, 2025

WOLFVILLE, N.S. — Acadia University fell to UNB in a tightly contested match Saturday at Stu Aberdeen Court, losing 3-2.

The Axewomen started strong in the opening set, with an attack error by Talia Nixon giving them the first point. However, UNB quickly gained momentum, scoring four consecutive points to take a 4-1 lead. Despite contributions from Alexia Lemay-Evans and Allison Van Zeumeren, the Reds dominated, propelled by a series of kills from Lydia Green and Nixon, ultimately winning the set 25-11.

Acadia turned the tide in the second set, capitalizing on UNB errors to jump out to a 7-0 lead. Key plays from Wesley-Ann Bailey and Lemay-Evans kept the Axewomen ahead. A late rally from the visitors fell short as Amy Carver delivered the final blow, securing the set 25-21.

In the third, UNB opened with a 4-0 run, including a service ace from Nixon. Acadia fought back to tie the score at 16-16, highlighted by a kill from Charley McDonald, but the Reds held on for a 25-22 victory.

The Axewomen roared back in the fourth set, starting with a 3-0 lead courtesy of Bailey and setter Katie MacLean. After a brief tie at 4-4, Acadia surged ahead with a decisive 17-9 run, aided by UNB errors. Bailey sealed the set with a kill, and MacLean added a service ace for a 25-15 win.

The deciding set was a back-and-forth battle early on, with Lemay-Evans opening the scoring for Acadia. However, UNB gained control with a 10-6 lead, including a service ace by Nixon, and secured the set 15-9 to claim the match.

Statistical standouts for Acadia included MacLean, who recorded a team-high 41 assists, and Lemay-Evans, who led the offence with 19.5 points and 18 kills. Bailey contributed 11 kills and three blocks with a .579 attack percentage. Jenna Lake anchored the defence with 23 digs.

For UNB, Nixon was pivotal with 38 assists, while Jenna Adams tallied 21 digs. Kiana Huggins led the team with 15 points, and Green added 16.5 points, supported by 16 digs and four blocks.

The Axewomen return to action Friday, Jan. 31, when they face Memorial University at Memorial in St. John's.