Axewomen fall at STFX despite fast start

ANTIGONISH, N.S. — The Acadia Axewomen opened strongly but fell 47–12 to the St. Francis Xavier X-Women in AUS women's rugby action Saturday at STFX Stadium.

Acadia struck first in the fifth minute when Brielynn Murrant powered over for a 5–0 lead. After STFX's Akwaima Akpan replied in the ninth minute, the Axewomen regained control in the 18th. Juliette Matsukubo finished a wide move and Sarah Gunn added the convert to make it 12–5.

STFX levelled just before halftime. Jessie Penney scored in the 37th minute and Katie Murphy converted to send the teams to the break tied 12–12.

The second half belonged to the hosts. Brown'nesha Willis-Glasgow scored in the 44th minute, with Murphy converting. Penney added tries in the 51st, 58th and 73rd minutes, while Willis-Glasgow notched her second at the 54th. Jillian Griffith went 4-for-4 on second-half conversions to close out the scoring.

Meg Varden was named Acadia's player of the game. Penney earned the honour for STFX after a four-try performance.

Acadia wraps up regular season action on Friday, Oct. 10 at home against UPEI at 7 p.m.

Scoring summary
First half:
ACA — Brielynn Murrant try, 5'
STFX — Akwaima Akpan try, 9'
ACA — Juliette Matsukubo try (conv Sarah Gunn), 18'
STFX — Jessie Penney try (conv Katie Murphy), 37'

Second half:
STFX — Brown'nesha Willis-Glasgow try (conv Katie Murphy), 44'
STFX — Jessie Penney try (conv Jillian Griffith), 51'
STFX — Brown'nesha Willis-Glasgow try (conv Jillian Griffith), 54'
STFX — Jessie Penney try (conv Jillian Griffith), 58'
STFX — Jessie Penney try (conv Jillian Griffith), 73'

Players of the game: Acadia — Meg Varden; STFX — Jessie Penney.