Dixon hits game-winning three as Axewomen edge Panthers

WOLFVILLE, N.S. — The Acadia Axewomen secured a narrow 80-79 victory over the University of Prince Edward Island in a tightly contested game Saturday at Stu Aberdeen Court, with 577 fans in attendance.

Bianca Helmig led Acadia with 18 points, shooting 7-for-14 from the field, while adding nine assists and six rebounds. Samantha Russell posted 19 points, including six field goals and seven free throws, and contributed six rebounds and two blocks. Sarah Delorey recorded a double-double with 18 points and 11 rebounds, going 6-for-8 from the free-throw line. Bianca Minelli added three points, four assists, and two steals, while Jewel Woolfitt contributed six rebounds and one block.

For UPEI, Lauren Rainford led all scorers with 26 points, hitting 8-of-19 from the field, including three three-pointers, and going 7-for-8 from the free-throw line. Devon Lawlor added 21 points, converting 9-of-14 shots, including three from beyond the arc. Grace Lancaster chipped in 10 points, four assists, and two three-pointers. Sydney Cummins was a presence on the boards with nine rebounds and seven points, while Abby Miller added eight rebounds and four points.

Acadia dominated the first half, leading 26-17 after the first quarter and outscoring the Panthers 27-19 in the second to take a 53-36 advantage into halftime. The Axewomen excelled inside the arc, scoring 22 points in the paint in the second quarter alone, while their defensive rebounding and eight assists helped build their lead.

The third quarter saw a dramatic shift as UPEI outscored Acadia 26-10, erasing much of the home team's 21-point lead. Acadia struggled offensively, shooting just 2-for-11 from the field and committing five turnovers. Despite pulling down 10 rebounds, including four on offence, the Axewomen couldn't convert those opportunities into points.

In the fourth quarter, both teams scored 17 points in a back-and-forth battle. Acadia hit three three-pointers and tallied eight points in the paint, while UPEI matched their rebounding efforts and capitalized on six points in the paint. A late push from the Panthers fell short as Acadia held on for the win.

The Axewomen return to action Wednesday at 6 p.m. when they face Dalhousie in Halifax.