Axewomen sweep Sea-Hawks to open second half

WOLFVILLE — The Acadia Axewomen defeated the Memorial Seahawks 81–58 in AUS basketball action Saturday at Stu Aberdeen Court, with 516 fans in attendance.

Samantha Russell led Acadia with a double-double, recording 17 points and 10 rebounds, including two 3-pointers. Bianca Helmig contributed 13 points and a team-high eight assists while going perfect from the free-throw line. Taya Dixon added 18 points, hitting seven of eight free throws, and grabbed seven rebounds. Sarah Delorey rounded out Acadia's top performers with 10 points and eight rebounds.

For Memorial, Eavan McLaughlin led all scorers with 22 points, shooting 7-of-18 from the field and 6-of-6 from the free-throw line, while adding five rebounds and three assists. Alyssa Jenkins tallied 19 points, including two 3-pointers, and was perfect on three free-throw attempts. Serena Phillips chipped in six points, with four coming from the free-throw line, and added two assists. Brooklyn Martens and Carly Norris each secured eight rebounds, with Martens adding four assists and Norris scoring two points.

Acadia opened the game with a narrow 29–27 lead after the first quarter, bolstered by a perfect 10-for-10 showing from the free-throw line. Despite being out-rebounded 9–7, the Axewomen capitalized on Memorial's five turnovers while committing only four themselves. Acadia's bench made a significant impact, contributing 15 points compared to Memorial's four.

The Axewomen dominated the second quarter, outscoring Memorial 19–6. Acadia's efficient offense converted 8-of-22 field-goal attempts, including three 3-pointers, while their defence held Memorial to just one field goal on 17 attempts. Acadia also controlled the boards with 14 rebounds and recorded eight assists, extending their lead significantly by halftime.

In the third quarter, Memorial outscored Acadia 18–16, but the Axewomen maintained a commanding lead. Acadia scored 14 of their 16 points in the paint and pulled down 10 rebounds, including three on the offensive end, while distributing six assists.

Acadia closed out the game with a dominant 17–7 fourth quarter. Russell led the charge with key rebounds and a 3-pointer as the Axewomen hit three 3-pointers and forced seven turnovers by Memorial while committing just one. Acadia held their largest lead of 25 points midway through the final frame.

The Axewomen now hit the road next weekend to face Cape Breton and STFX.