Axewomen fall just short in home opener loss to StFX

WOLFVILLE, N.S. — The Acadia Axewomen fell 17-15 to the StFX X-Women in Atlantic University Sport women's rugby action Friday night at Raymond Field.

STFX's Jesse Penney set the tone early, scoring a try in the seventh minute for a 5-0 lead. She struck again in the 27th minute to extend the advantage to 10-0 at halftime.

Acadia cut into the lead shortly after the break. Lauren Deal crossed the line in the 43rd minute to make it 10-5.

Penney completed her hat trick in the 47th minute, and Katie Murphy added the conversion to restore a 17-5 margin for the visitors.

The Axewomen rallied. Brielynn Murrant powered over for a try in the 57th minute, narrowing the deficit to 17-10. Acadia continued to press, and Jenna Gallant scored in the 74th minute to bring the Axewomen within two points.

Despite late pressure, Acadia was unable to find the go-ahead score.

Murrant was named Acadia's player of the game, while Penney earned the honour for STFX with three tries.

The Axewomen return to action Friday, Sept. 26, when they host Saint Mary's at 7 p.m. at Raymond Field.

SCORING SUMMARY:
STFX 10-7: 17
ACA 0-15: 15

First half:
STFX #3 Jesse Penney try 7^th minute
STFX #3 Jesse Penney try 27^th minute

Second half:
ACA #3 Lauren Deal try 43^rd minute
STFX #3 Jesse Penney try 47^th minute (Convert #9 Katie Murphy
ACA #6 Brielynn Murrant try 57^th minute
ACA # 4 Jenna Gallant try 74^th minute

Players of the Game:
ACA: #6 Brielynn Murrant
STFX: #3 Jesse Penney

Legend:
Try: 5 points
Penalty goal: 3 points
Convert: 2 points