Acadia edges Dalhousie 3-2 in five-set thriller

Acadia edges Dalhousie 3-2 in five-set thriller
Box Score
November 23, 2024

HALIFAX — The Acadia Axewomen defeated the Dalhousie Tigers 3-2 in a five-set match Saturday at the Dalplex.

The Tigers opened the first set with strong momentum, including a four-point run sparked by Grace Calnan's block and kill, giving them a 6-3 lead. Acadia fought back with key plays from Leah Weatherhead and Alexia Lemay-Evans, levelling the score at 10-10. Dalhousie regained control with two service aces from Talia Vydykhan, leading 14-8. Acadia rallied to tie the set at 22-22, but Dalhousie capitalized on Acadia's errors to secure a 25-22 win.

The second set featured multiple momentum shifts. Dalhousie surged to a 4-1 lead, bolstered by two consecutive blocks from Calnan. Acadia responded with a run to tie the set at 5-5 before taking the lead with a service ace from Mia Lemay-Evans. Despite Dalhousie regaining a 19-15 advantage, Acadia mounted a late comeback to win 26-24 on a kill by Lemay-Evans and a service ace by Katie MacLean.

Acadia carried their energy into the third set, building an 11-5 lead with kills and a crucial service ace by MacLean. Dalhousie narrowed the gap to 17-14 by exploiting Acadia's attack errors, but Acadia held on to win 25-23, with Weatherhead delivering the final kill.

Dalhousie dominated the fourth set with a 25-15 victory. The Tigers found their stride with a five-point streak, including a service ace by Calnan and multiple kills. Despite an ace by Lemay-Evans, Acadia couldn't close the gap as Dalhousie sealed the set with offensive pressure led by Vydykhan.

The decisive fifth set saw Acadia jump to a 4-1 lead, highlighted by an attack error from Dalhousie and a service ace by Charley McDonald. Weatherhead and Jenna Lake added crucial points, and a block by Lake sealed a 15-11 victory for Acadia.

Lake anchored Acadia's defence with 17 digs, while MacLean contributed 47 assists. Lemay-Evans led offensively and defensively with 17 kills, 21 digs, and 17.5 points. Wesley-Ann Bailey recorded five blocks, including four solo efforts.

Next weekend Acadia heads to Moncton for matches on Friday night and Saturday afternoon to wrap up the opening half of their 2024-25 season.