Axewomen rally past Saint Mary’s in four sets at home

Acadia earned a 3–1 win over Saint Mary's on Saturday night at Stu Aberdeen Court, taking the match 22–25, 25–18, 25–21 and 25–20. The Axewomen finished with 49 kills and a .204 hitting percentage, using steady offense and strong defence to pull away after dropping the opening set.

Saint Mary's claimed the first set despite Acadia striking first on a kill from Mia Lemay-Evans. The Huskies used strong serving and attack pressure to move ahead, including two service aces from Taylor Lougheed. Acadia stayed close behind plays from Jenna Guy and Alexia Lemay-Evans, but Saint Mary's closed the set 25–22.

Acadia took control in the second set. Alexia Lemay-Evans sparked the offense with a series of kills, and the Axewomen took advantage of Huskies errors to build a lead. Mia Lemay-Evans and Jenna Lake added timely points, while Charley McDonald and Guy helped keep the pressure on. Alexia Lemay-Evans finished the set with a kill to give Acadia a 25–18 win.

The Axewomen carried that momentum into the third. A service ace from Guy and several Saint Mary's errors helped Acadia establish an early edge. MacLean continued to move the ball well, and Mia Lemay-Evans produced key kills as Acadia maintained control. Saint Mary's pushed late, but Alexia Lemay-Evans ended the set with another kill to make it 25–21.

Acadia opened the fourth set with a strong run that included kills from Guy and Alexia Lemay-Evans and a service ace from MacLean. Leah Weatherhead added a kill as Acadia built a small lead. Midway through the set, MacLean added another ace and helped set up points that pushed the Axewomen ahead. Mia Lemay-Evans added a key kill, and McDonald provided late points with a kill and an ace. Saint Mary's closed within three late, but Acadia sealed the match when Alexia Lemay-Evans delivered a final kill and the Huskies followed with an attack error.

MacLean finished with 43 assists and two aces. Alexia Lemay-Evans led Acadia with 18 kills. Mia Lemay-Evans recorded eight kills on .538 hitting and five total blocks. Guy added four aces and 10 digs.

Saint Mary's was led by Emilia Mikanovich's 18 kills. Alena Piatukhova and Sarah Harland each recorded 15 points, with Piatukhova adding five solo blocks and Harland serving four aces.

Acadia heads to Fredericton next weekend for a doubleheader against UNB.