Axewomen drop straight-sets decision at UNB
Acadia fell to UNB in straight sets Friday night at the Richard J. Currie Center, losing 25–18, 25–20 and 25–16. The Reds remained unbeaten on the season, while Acadia was unable to find consistent rhythm on the road.
Acadia battled early in the opening set, trading points with UNB through the first stretch. Jenna Lake and Alexia Lemay-Evans provided early offense, with Katie MacLean setting up multiple attacks. The teams were tied at 3–3 and again at 5–5 before UNB began to pull ahead.
The Reds used a run that included a service ace to build a 10–6 lead. Acadia responded with a timeout and closed the gap to one point at 14–13, highlighted by a block from Jenna Guy and Mia Lemay-Evans. UNB answered quickly, however, regaining separation and closing the set 25–18 despite a late kill from Leah Weatherhead.
The second set featured another push from Acadia. Alexia Lemay-Evans and Mia Lemay-Evans sparked a rally that tied the score at 11–11, aided by a service ace from Mia Lemay-Evans. UNB regained control with a run that pushed the lead to 18–13, using strong serving and steady offense.
Acadia continued to pressure late in the set. A kill from Jenna Guy helped close the gap to 21–19, but UNB held firm and finished the set 25–20.
UNB carried momentum into the third, opening with a strong start that included two service aces to take a 5–1 lead. Acadia answered with kills from Alexia Lemay-Evans and Guy to pull within one, but struggled to sustain the push.
Service errors and steady play from UNB allowed the Reds to stretch their lead as the set progressed. Acadia showed resilience with timely offense and support plays from Ella Hickey, but UNB maintained control throughout. The Reds closed the match with a 25–16 win.
Alexia Lemay-Evans led Acadia with 10 kills and 11 points. MacLean finished with 15 assists, while Guy added five kills, a service ace and five digs. Mia Lemay-Evans contributed four kills and a service ace.
Acadia will conclude the weekend doubleheader in Fredericton on Saturday with a 3 p.m. rematch against UNB.
