Axewomen sweep series at MUN and clinch playoff berth

St. JOHN'S, NL - The Acadia Axewomen completed a weekend sweep over the Memorial Sea-Hawks on Sunday afternoon with a 90-79 victory at The Field House.

After a disappointing loss on Saturday evening, Memorial looked to rally against the Acadian Axewomen in the second game of the weekend series.  The Sea-Hawks had great difficulty finding their offense, forcing up shots late in the shot clock, missing open opportunities, and struggling to get back after mistakes. All of these things culminated in a dominating first quarter for the Axewomen as they went on a 10-2 run, finishing the quarter up 26-13. Axewomen led at the half, 44-32.

The second half was unfortunately more of the same for both teams. Memorial struggled offensively, and the Axewomen in many important areas of play categorically outmatched them. Acadia forced many second chance opportunities, as well as scoring in transition to avoid a set MUN defense.

Paloma Anderson was once again a standout performer finishing with another double-double, 29 points and 10 rebounds; a huge feat for one of the smallest players on the floor. Despite her small stature, Anderson had a massive impact on the weekend series. She now ranks in the top spot for points in a season, and free throws made for Acadia all-time.

For Memorial, Sydney Stewart was sorely missed. After spraining an ankle in her previous weekend series against Dalhousie, her offense was noticeably absent from the Sea-Hawks. It allowed for role players to take up more responsibility, but it was a large task to undertake. Hallie Nickerson stepped up off the bench, posting solid numbers in both games. Brooklyn Wright was also a team leader this weekend, posting 20 plus points in both games.

Lindsay Taylor was the top scorer for the Hawks today, posting 25 points on 8/13 shooting from the field, and an impressive 6/8 from downtown.

Memorial now stands at the .500 mark this season, at 7 wins and losses; Acadia maintains their top spot amongst the AUS conference at 13-1. Memorial will take on UPEI in their next two game series away from home on February 3 and 4. The Axewomen, who improve to 13-1 and sit first in the AUS standings, have clinched a playoff berth. Acadia hosts Saint Mary's this Thursday in a rescheduled game from early January.