Axewomen hold off UPEI rally in rain-soaked opener
WOLFVILLE, N.S. — The Acadia Axewomen withstood a second-half surge from the UPEI Panthers to secure a 19-12 win in a rain-soaked season opener marred by difficult playing conditions.
Acadia (1-0) jumped out to an early lead, with Brooke Reid scoring the first try in the 35th minute. After a series of scrappy plays near the UPEI try-line, Reid finished the attack with a well-timed run to the corner, putting the Axewomen ahead 5-0. The missed conversion kept the score close, but momentum was firmly on Acadia's side.
Just minutes later, Acadia capitalized on UPEI's struggles to maintain possession in the wet conditions. Samantha Reid broke off a ruck, sprinting 22 metres down the short side to score the Axewomen's second try. This time, the conversion was successful, giving Acadia a 12-0 cushion heading into halftime.
Early in the second half, Acadia further extended their lead. Sara Grant, following a well-executed scrum 30 metres out, powered through UPEI defenders for the third try of the day. Grant added the conversion to make it 19-0, putting the Axewomen in a commanding position.
Despite the comfortable lead, Acadia faced a determined Panthers team in the final half-hour. UPEI responded with two tries in quick succession, narrowing the gap to 19-12 with plenty of time remaining. However, Acadia's defence tightened, fending off multiple UPEI attacks in the closing stages.
The Axewomen managed the clock well, controlling field position and maintaining possession to secure the victory.
With the victory, Acadia begins the season on a positive note, while UPEI (0-1) will look to regroup before their next matchup against StFX.
The Axewomen will continue their campaign next weekend at home against Saint Mary's.