MONCTON, N.B. - The Axewomen pushed their winning streak to three games and are undefeated after the first weekend back from the December holidays with a 3-0 win over the host Universite de Moncton. 

2016 began with a 3-0 sweep of the visiting UNB Varsity Reds on Friday night followed by the win over Moncton on Sunday.

In the first set against the Aigles Bleus, the Axewomen pushed out to an early 5-0 lead and continued to advance with a set high 13-15 advantage. Moncton worked uphill closing the gap to a 22-20 Acadia lead. Sarah Ross's kill combined with an attack error by Rachelle Lemoine concluded the first set with a 25-21 Acadia win.

The second set was much closer throughout the game. The largest lead would amount to only five points at 23-18 for the Axewomen. Two Moncton and one Acadia service errors concluded the set.

The final set had the Axewomen pull out to an early 5-1 lead but the Aigles Bleus fought back to bring it as close as 14-13. Acadia pulled away by as much as four but Moncton closed the gap to 23-22. Two kills by Sarah Ross and one by rookie Lauryn Renzella concluded the 25-23 win.

The victory gives the Axewomen a 4-7 record and a three game winning streak with two games at home this weekend against Memorial. 

Head Coach Michelle Wood was satisfied to see her squad's tenacity. "We demonstrated persistence today against a very good defending team, but ultimately we had a clear vision of what we wanted to accomplish."

This year's squad has demonstrated great athletic ability and after three homes games, it has become apparent that the team is much more athletic than past seasons.
As a fourth year head coach, Wood has set high standards. "We have higher physical standards (spike and block touch) for our team and athletes that are reaching them. We're recruiting to these standards."

The team's success as of late has benefited from less errors and the second highest service aces in the conference (87). "This year's squad is a tough serving team that will take teams out of system", points out Wood. "In return they are bound to miss a few. There has to be some risk and reward."

Included in the crop of recent additions are great hitters that started with addition of Sarah Ross three years ago. The third year outside hitter has brought consistency in kills per game. 
"We also have multiple hitters that can terminate the ball. The potential in the depth on our team is huge", comments Wood regarding her batch of additions over the last three seasons.

If the Axewomen fall short of some lofty goals that they and Wood have set, it's not due to a lack of athletic talent. "Our lack of experience at this point is the only thing holding us back. This group hasn't made it beyond the first round (of the playoffs) and I know they're extremely ready for the end of the story to change." Adding, "I believe their drive and persistence will make up for lack of experience."
While a veteran libero in fifth year Hillary Monette is hard to replace, the hitting by Sarah Ross is an asset that every team needs. "Sarah will naturally pull this team with her athletic ability, but the special part about this group is that others are rising to help share this load in different capacities", notes Wood.

Third year setter Olivia Boudreault, named as Acadia's Athlete of the Week, this past week is commanding the court very tactically to allow her hitters to succeed and Monette, who is leading the CIS in digs, is keeping this team alive and composed with her ball control.

Although rookies Micaela Sabean and Lauryn Renzella are both only in their first year, they have established themselves as threats in the AUS and are having an immediate impact on the Axewoman program. Wood likes what she has seen in both so far this season. "Micaela plays a huge role in stabilizing our team while Lauryn is able to execute in pressure situations."

When asked what her thoughts are of 2016 so far, Wood was cautious. "I'm going to use the word steady to summarize the feeling of our team right now, although that could imply not moving forward or gaining ground but this team is. They are on a steady incline, locked in, winning multiple points in a row. They are not phased or shaken by their opponent."

The Axewomen take on Memorial this weekend in a two match weekend with the visiting Sea-Hawks.