Helmig ties all-time assist record as Axewomen rally past UPEI

Acadia edged the UPEI Panthers, 61–57, on Saturday at the Chi-Wan Young Sport Centre after erasing a 19-point deficit. The Axewomen locked in defensively after halftime, holding the Panthers to 17 second-half points and forcing 17 turnovers to complete the comeback.

Bianca Helmig led Acadia with 16 points and five assists. With her performance, Helmig tied Haley McDonald, now an assistant coach with the program, for the Axewomen's all-time assist record with 339.

Samantha Russell added a double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds, along with three blocks. Sarah Delorey finished with 13 points and two blocks, while Amelie Bouchard provided a spark in the second quarter, hitting two three-pointers for six points.

UPEI controlled the opening quarter, using defensive pressure to force five turnovers and convert them into fast-break points. The Panthers shot efficiently from beyond the arc, hitting four of seven three-pointers to build a 26–13 lead after one. Acadia found some success in the paint but trailed on the boards.

The Axewomen steadied themselves in the second quarter, outscoring UPEI 15–14. Despite continued shooting struggles, Acadia capitalized on six Panthers turnovers and generated extra possessions with offensive rebounds. At the break, UPEI maintained a 40–28 advantage.

Acadia shifted momentum in the third quarter, outscoring the Panthers 16–9. Russell sparked the run with a three-pointer early in the frame and followed with a fast-break layup. Acadia's defense tightened, recording two blocks and three steals to cut the deficit to five heading into the fourth.

The Axewomen completed the comeback in the final quarter, outscoring UPEI 17–8. Acadia dominated inside, scoring 12 points in the paint, while holding the Panthers to 2-for-19 shooting. Defensive pressure produced two steals and two blocks, and Acadia remained composed at the free-throw line in the closing minutes, converting five of seven attempts.

Devon Lawlor led UPEI with 18 points, including four three-pointers. Ella Simmons recorded nine points and nine rebounds, while Regan Cornford added nine points and seven offensive boards.

The Axewomen return to action Friday night in Antigonish, where they face the STFX X-Women at 6 p.m.