Axewomen open AUS season with 60-12 win over Huskies

HALIFAX, N.S.– The Saint Mary's University Huskies the 2022 AUS Women's Rugby season as they played host to the Acadia University Axewomen Saturday afternoon at Huskies Stadium. 

On a beautiful sunny day, the Maritime rugby faithful were treated to some great physical play by both teams. 

Acadia opened the scoring in the 3rd minute of play with a try by Juliette Matsukubo to put the visitors up 5-0.  The Axewomen continued to pin the Huskies in their defensive end a built a commanding lead in the first 30 minutes.  Matsukubo added a second try followed by Maddie Metlot, Sara Grant and Kenzie Cecchetto with their own respective tries.  Grant pushed 2 of 4 converts through the uprights to build the 29-0 lead. 

The Huskies finally lit the scoreboard with a try by Devyn DiNardo in the 32nd minute to make the score 29-5. 

Acadia closed the half on another try by Grant, who also made the conversion to hold the lead 36-5 at halftime. 

The second half saw the Axewomen continue to capitalize on opportunities while the Huskies had a few costly errors deep in Acadia territory.  Grace Pinch, Matsukubo, Amanda Jardine and Sarah Palfy all scored tries for Acadia while Grant and Hope Ford both hit converts to push the lead to 60-5. 

The Huskies continued to play physically and showed no let up finally being rewarded with a try by Neelie Fligel-Doucet in the closing minutes of the half.  Lauren Maye converted to make the final score 60-12 in favour of Acadia. 

The AUS Subway Player of the game was the Axewomen's, Sara Grant.  

Up next for the Huskies (0-1) will be a trip to St. Francis Xavier University on September 16. 

Acadia (1-0) heads to the island on September 17 to take on the UPEI Panthers. 

Source: SMU Huskies