Axewomen open season with victory over Saint Mary's

HALIFAX, N.S. — The Acadia Axewomen opened their Atlantic University Sport women's rugby season with a commanding 52-12 win over the Saint Mary's Huskies on Sunday afternoon at Huskies Stadium.

Saint Mary's struck first after Elliana Porter intercepted a pass and set up the Huskies deep in Acadia territory. After nearly 10 minutes of defensive resistance from the Axewomen, the Huskies broke through in the 11th minute on a try by Sophie Van Berkel, converted by Isabel Goncalves, for a 7-0 lead.

From there, the Axewomen took control. Gabby Shaw responded with a try in the 15th minute to cut the deficit to 7-5. Three minutes later, Olivia Savoie powered across the line, with Sarah Gunn adding the conversion to put Acadia in front 12-7.

The lead grew in the 25th minute when Juliette Matsukubo scored on a long run, followed by an Ava Demmings conversion. Five minutes later, Brielynn Murrant touched down for another try, with Gunn's kick extending the margin to 26-7.

Just before halftime, Kali Jones set up Murrant for her second try of the half. Gunn converted to give Acadia a 33-7 advantage at the break.

The Axewomen kept the momentum in the second half. Taryn McLachlan scored in the 45th minute, while Stella Feeney added another in the 73rd. McLachlan capped the scoring with her second try of the game in the 80th minute, with Demmings converting both late scores.

Porter added a consolation try for Saint Mary's in the 75th minute, but it wasn't enough to stop Acadia from opening the season 1-0.

Jenna Gallant was named Player of the Game for the Axewomen, while Alexia Brazeau earned the honour for the Huskies.

Acadia (1-0) visits UPEI next Saturday, while Saint Mary's (0-1) travels to Antigonish to face STFX. Both matches are scheduled for Sept. 13 at 2 p.m. AST.