Axewomen bounce back to earn key win over Aigles Bleues

The Acadia Axewomen overcame an early deficit to defeat the Moncton Aigles Bleues 3-1 in AUS women's volleyball action Friday at Stu Aberdeen Court.

After dropping the first set 25-21, Acadia responded with three straight set victories (25-19, 25-22, 25-21) to secure the win.

Alexia Lemay-Evans led the way offensively for Acadia with 20 kills and a .273 hitting percentage, adding three solo blocks. Setter Katie MacLean was instrumental in the win, recording 42 assists and 17 digs, while Sophie Edgar anchored the defence with a team-high 26 digs.

Moncton came out strong in the opening set, taking an early lead before holding off an Acadia push. Jenna Lake recorded two consecutive kills late in the frame, but Moncton closed it out 25-21 with a string of kills.

The Axewomen responded in the second set, winning 25-19 behind key contributions from Mia Lemay-Evans and Wesley-Ann Bailey. Leah Weatherhead's service ace sparked a run that saw Acadia pull ahead, and Lake sealed the set with a decisive kill.

Acadia edged Moncton 25-22 in a tight third set. Lemay-Evans delivered key kills, while MacLean controlled the offence with multiple assists and a crucial service ace to help Acadia maintain its lead.

In the fourth and final set, Acadia held off Moncton to clinch the match with a 25-21 victory. Lake and Mia Lemay-Evans registered multiple kills early, while MacLean continued to facilitate the attack. Lemay-Evans delivered the final kill, assisted by MacLean, to seal the win.

For Moncton, Cassidy Martin recorded a team-high 31 assists, while Jasmine Allain led defensively with 27 digs. Sierra Sarty contributed 24 digs, eight kills and two service aces, and Hannah Lytwyn paced Moncton's attack with 15 kills and two blocks.

Acadia returns to action on Saturday at home against Moncton. First serve is set for 2 p.m.