Axewomen sweep weekend in Newfoundland against Memorial

ST. JOHN'S, N.L. — The Acadia Axewomen secured a 67-60 victory over the Memorial Sea-Hawks in AUS basketball action Saturday at The Works Fieldhouse, capping a weekend sweep following a 70-65 win on Friday night. The game was played in an empty arena.

Bianca Helmig and Samantha Russell led the Axewomen with 18 points apiece. Helmig added five steals, five rebounds and a block, while Russell dominated the boards with a team-high 11 rebounds. Bianca Minelli chipped in with 11 points, eight rebounds and three steals, and Jewel Woolfitt made her defensive mark with two steals and three rebounds.

Brooklyn Martens was a defensive standout for the Sea-Hawks with 11 rebounds and four steals. Eavan McLaughlin scored a game-high 21 points, hitting three three-pointers, while Alyssa Jenkins added 14 points, five rebounds and two steals. Carly Norris contributed eight points and seven rebounds for Memorial.

Acadia set the tone early, forcing 11 first-quarter turnovers and building a 17-11 lead with an 8-0 edge in points off turnovers. Helmig's early defensive efforts and Russell's presence on the boards gave the visitors momentum.

Memorial clawed back in the second quarter, outscoring Acadia 21-18 with a balanced attack and 14 points in the paint. Despite the Sea-Hawks briefly taking the lead, Acadia regained control late in the half.

In the third quarter, Acadia edged Memorial 16-13, with Helmig and Minelli keying a strong finish that kept the Axewomen ahead. Acadia capitalized on defensive rebounds and tightened their defensive pressure, weathering two ties during the frame.

The final quarter saw Memorial threaten with two three-pointers from McLaughlin, but Acadia maintained their composure, outscoring the Sea-Hawks 16-15 to seal the win. Russell's late layups and crucial rebounds, along with Helmig's defensive presence, ensured the victory.

The Axewomen return home next weekend to host UNB in their lone game of the week.