Axewomen sweep Moncton behind dominant net play

Acadia University earned a 3-0 victory over the Université de Moncton on Friday night at Stu Aberdeen Court, winning by scores of 25-23, 25-13, and 25-14. The Axewomen controlled the match at the net, finishing with 15 total blocks in the straight-sets win.

Acadia opened the first set with a steady offensive rhythm. Kills from Alexia Lemay-Evans and Jenna Guy, both set up by Katie MacLean, helped establish an early edge. A mid-set run, highlighted by a service ace and two blocks from Mia Lemay-Evans, pushed Acadia ahead 9-5.

The Axewomen continued to build momentum as Charley McDonald and Jenna Lake added key points to extend the lead to 17-10. Moncton responded with timely kills from Tori Casey to close the gap late, trimming the margin to 22-21. Acadia regained control down the stretch, capitalizing on Moncton errors to close the set 25-23.

Acadia set the tone early in the second set with strong defensive play. Mia Lemay-Evans opened the frame with a block, sparking a run fueled by net pressure and Moncton attack errors. Lake and Alexia Lemay-Evans contributed offensively, while MacLean distributed the ball efficiently to build a 14-4 lead.

Moncton briefly responded behind service aces from Anne Paquette, but Acadia's defense held firm. Additional blocks from Mia Lemay-Evans and McDonald stalled any momentum, and Guy finished the set with a decisive kill to give Acadia a 25-13 win.

The Axewomen carried that momentum into the third set. Mia Lemay-Evans opened the scoring with a kill from MacLean, then followed with a service ace as Acadia pulled ahead early. Alexia Lemay-Evans continued to impact both ends, adding kills and a block to extend the lead to 14-10.

As the set progressed, Acadia took advantage of Moncton miscues while maintaining pressure at the net. Contributions from Alexia Lemay-Evans and Leah Weatherhead helped stretch the lead to 24-14. An attack error by Josette Muise sealed the set and match, giving Acadia a 25-14 victory.

Mia Lemay-Evans led Acadia with six kills and seven total blocks. Alexia Lemay-Evans added 10 kills on 18 attempts, hitting .444, along with three blocks. MacLean recorded 24 assists and two solo blocks, while Lake finished with nine digs and a service ace.

Jasmine Allain paced Moncton defensively with 15 digs. Mia Ladd recorded 19 assists and seven digs, while Paquette led the Aigles Bleues with eight points, including two service aces.

Up Next: Acadia returns to Stu Aberdeen Court on Sunday to host Dalhousie at 2 p.m.