Axewomen climb to first in AUS with win over Moncton

WOLFVILLE, N.S. - The Axewomen edged out les Aigles Bleues de Moncton Friday evening, 2-1 to kick off Homecoming weekend.

The Axewomen got a quick start against the University of Moncton and were on the board 5 minutes into the game. From 52 yards out Katie Ross hit a free kick that skipped over the keepers head and into the back of the net.

The Axewomen kept the pressure on and just minutes before the half ended, Subway Player of the Game, Kinsella Noseworthy-Smith, netted her 4th goal of the season and the eventual game winner.

Moncton came out strong in the second half and put the Axewomen on their heels. At the 55 minute mark Donya Salomon-Ali gave Moncton their only goal of the game. Ten minutes into the second half, Salomon-Ali broke through the Acadia defense and an up close shot left little chance for Acadia's Caroline Wood to make the save.

Moncton's goal gave them momentum but the Axewomen hung on for the win and three important points in the standings.

Head Coach Amit Batra pointed out that the three points picked up for the win was not easy, pointing out that both halves were much different. "It is always tough to play after a layoff like we did and our goal was to pick up a win to carry some momentun. we had a really good first half and we were up 2-0 after halftime. They came out strong. They are a good team and fast up front and come out and put us under more pressure which was a little more difficult for us to play and they got a goal back. The second half we really had to "gut it out" and it was really two different halves. We controlled the play in the first half and had to be really gutsy in the second half. It was a good win"

The Axewomen have juggled the lineup over the last few weeks with injuries and Batra points out that it is still continuing with the return of those with injuries while some remain out due to injuries. "Our hope is to be able to rest some players in the last weekend and be ready for the playoffs".

Katie Ross is now tied for second in AUS scoring (5) behind Cape Bretons Karolyn Blaine (8). Kinsella Noseworthy-Smith is trailing with four goals. The Axewomen are now at the top of the pack with a 6-2-2 record heading into their game on Sunday versus St.Fx at 1:00 pm.