Axewomen head to final for fifth year in a row with a 39-12 win over UPEI

WOLFVILLE, N.S. - Seven different players scored for the Axewomen rugby team as they dropped UPEI 39-12 in the second of two semi-finals this weekend at the AUS Subway Women's Rugby Championship hosted by Acadia.

The Axewomen entered the dressing room at halftime with only a 7-0 lead on a Kelsey Brumm try and converted by Erin Beazley 16 minutes into the game.

The Panthers played tough defense against the Axewomen who averaged 58 points versus UPEI this season, holding Acadia to seven in the first half and 39 for the game.

Axewomen head coach Matthew Durant complemented the Panthers effort. "UPEI played a solid game and they are one of the most physical teams in the conference".

Durant also pointed out that his team played well and tough. "The game will prepare us for the championship matchup against StFX", pointed out Durant. "I was impressed with our team's toughness, playing through injuries during the game".

Axewoman Kristine Lovatt, named the Subway Player of the Game for her effort, scored five minutes into the second half.

AUS All-Star Janna Slevinksky added another try four minutes later, but the Panthers would not give up, scoring their first try of the game. Alysha Corrigan scored the first of her two trys in the loss to the Axewomen. Corrigan was named the UPEI Player of the Game. Corrigan's try was converted by Lauren Chamberlain.

Veronique Russell, Shannon White and Clarissa MacDonld scored one try each for the Axewomen with one converted before Corrigan added her second of the game - unconverted. With a 34-12 lead with three minutes remaining, Acadia added their last try of the day by Laura Klingenberg - unconverted to give the Axewomen a 39-12 win. Erin Beazley added two converts to the tally.

With the win, the Axewomen will advance to the championship game against the StFX X-Women for the fifth time in a row. Last year's championship game was settled between both teams after two overtime periods with the X-Women retaining their title run.

Scoring Summary:

First Half:

ACA – 24 min. – Kelsey Brum try, converted by Erin Beazley                         7-0

Second Half:

ACA – 5 min. – Kristine Lovatt try, not converted                                               12-0

ACA – 9 min. – Janna Slevinsky try, not converted                                            17-0

UPEI – 15 min. – Alysha Corrigan try, converted by Lauren Chamberlain 17-7

ACA – 23 min. – Veronique Russell try, not converted                                     22-7

ACA – 28 min. – Shannon White try, converted by Erin Beazley                   29-7

ACA – 35 min. – Clarissa MacDonald try, not converted                                  34-7

UPEI – 37 min. – Alysha Corrigan try, not converted                                         34-12

ACA – 39 min. – Laura Klingenberg try, not converted                                     39-12