Axewomen rally past Moncton in four sets at home

Acadia rebounded from a first-set loss to defeat the Université de Moncton 3–1 on Friday night at Stu Aberdeen Court, winning 21-25, 25-20, 25-20 and 25-22.

The Axewomen leaned on defensive effort and steady offence to secure the win, recording 91 digs and 55 kills in the match. Acadia also outpaced Moncton in extended rallies, particularly in the final three sets.

Moncton took control early in the opening set, capitalizing on Acadia attack errors to build a lead. Service aces and consistent pressure allowed the Blue Eagles to stay ahead despite pushes from Acadia, including kills from Alexia and Mia Lemay-Evans. Moncton closed the set 25-21 to take an early advantage.

Acadia responded in the second set with improved execution. Jenna Lake and Jenna Guy provided early offence, while Katie MacLean directed the attack effectively from the setter position. After Moncton briefly tied the score, Acadia regained momentum with a service ace from MacLean and a string of kills from Lake and Alexia Lemay-Evans. The Axewomen closed the set 25-20 to level the match.

The third set marked a turning point as Acadia maintained pressure throughout. Charley McDonald and Alexia Lemay-Evans delivered key kills, while MacLean added a critical service ace to help extend the lead. Acadia stayed composed late in the set, and Guy finished the frame with a kill to give the Axewomen a 25-20 win and a 2-1 match lead.

Acadia carried that momentum into the fourth set. The teams traded points early, but Acadia pulled ahead midway through behind steady offence from Lake and Guy. McDonald and Lemay-Evans added timely points as Acadia stretched the lead. Moncton mounted a late push, but Acadia held firm and closed the match with a 25-22 victory.

Lake led Acadia with a season-high 14 kills and added 22 digs. Alexia Lemay-Evans finished with 15 kills and 19 digs, while MacLean recorded 41 assists and two service aces. Guy added eight kills and 15 digs to round out a balanced performance.

For Moncton, Mia Ladd posted 29 assists and 18 digs, while Jasmine Allain led the defence with 23 digs. Tori Casey recorded nine kills and two solo blocks.

The Axewomen are back in action on Saturday on the road in Halifax against the Dalhousie Tigers. First serve at 3 p.m.