UPEI edges Acadia in AUS semifinal to end Axewomen season
Delorey and Russell post double-doubles as Axewomen fall 69-63 at Scotiabank Centre
HALIFAX, N.S. — Acadia fell 69-63 to the University of Prince Edward Island in the semifinal of the AUS women's basketball championship at Scotiabank Centre, ending the Axewomen's season.
Acadia held a six-point lead midway through the second quarter and generated 21 second-chance points. However, UPEI's 41.2 per cent shooting from three-point range and a 13-point edge off turnovers proved decisive. It marks the second straight year the Axewomen have been eliminated by UPEI in the semifinal.
Sarah Delorey recorded a double-double with 14 points and 16 rebounds, adding three blocks. Samantha Russell also posted a double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds. Bianca Helmig scored 13 points, while Jewel Woolfitt added eight points and eight rebounds, including five offensive boards.
Graca Lancaster led UPEI with 28 points, shooting 11-for-18 from the field and making five three-pointers. Ingrid Khuong added eight points, eight rebounds and five assists. Regan Cornford scored 10 points and grabbed five rebounds, while Ella Simmons finished with 12 points and two blocks.
Acadia held a narrow edge after the first quarter, using strong free-throw shooting to offset struggles from the field. The Axewomen went 5-for-6 at the line and scored six second-chance points to take a 20-18 lead.
The teams were tied 37-37 at halftime after a tightly contested second quarter. Acadia scored 14 of its 17 points in the paint, driven by strong offensive rebounding. UPEI countered with timely shooting, including two three-pointers.
UPEI took control in the third quarter, outscoring Acadia 21-15. The Panthers hit three of six attempts from beyond the arc and limited turnovers, building a six-point lead. Acadia struggled with ball control but remained close through rebounding.
Both teams scored 11 points in the fourth quarter. Acadia continued to dominate the glass with seven offensive rebounds but committed five turnovers. UPEI capitalized with four steals and maintained its advantage down the stretch to secure the 69-63 win.