Huskies rally past Axewomen in four sets

WOLFVILLE, N.S. — Acadia opened with a strong first set but fell 3–1 (25–20, 18–25, 26–28, 21–25) to Saint Mary's in the Axewomen's season opener Friday at Stu Aberdeen Court.

The Axewomen controlled the first with efficient side-out play and three early blocks, then led deep into the third before the Huskies clawed back to take it 28–26 and seize momentum. Saint Mary's closed the match in the fourth, leaning on serve pressure and a late 4–1 run.

Outside hitter Jenna Lake and right side Alexia Lemay-Evans paced Acadia with nine kills apiece. Setter Katie MacLean posted 31 assists and two aces, while outside Charley McDonald added six kills on .364 hitting. Libero Sophie Edgar anchored the back row with a match-high 22 digs. Middle Brianna Bourque was a force at the net, finishing with nine block assists and a service ace.

Saint Mary's spread the attack behind 35 assists from Grace Blaskovits. Middle Alena Piatukhova hit .706 with 12 kills and seven total blocks, while left side Emilia Mikanovich recorded a double-double with 15 kills and 19 digs. Jordin Parsons added six kills and four aces, and Esther Wildeboer chipped in nine kills, 14 digs and four blocks.

Teamwise, Acadia finished with 40 kills, eight aces and 16 total blocks, while Saint Mary's recorded 45 kills, eight aces and 13 blocks. The Huskies carried the final two sets by winning key transition points and out-terminating late.

Acadia heads to Halifax on Sunday for a rematch against Saint Mary's. First serve is set for 7 p.m.