Axewomen defeat UPEI in final conference game, will host AUS semifinal Wednesday

WOLFVILLE, N.S. — The Acadia Axewomen closed the regular season with a 48–10 win over the UPEI Panthers on Sunday in Atlantic University Sport women's rugby at Raymond Field.

Acadia set the tone early. In the seventh minute, Abbie Chisholm opened the scoring and Sarah Gunn converted for a 7–0 lead. Brielynn Murrant added a try in the 15th minute to make it 12–0.

UPEI answered in the 25th minute through Lauren Misener, but Acadia controlled the remainder of the half. Taryn McLachlan scored in the 30th minute, converted by Gunn, and Juliette Matsukubo crossed in the 35th, with Gunn again adding the extras. McLachlan touched down once more in the 38th minute, and Matsukubo finished the half with her second try at 40 minutes. The Axewomen led 36–5 at halftime.

Acadia kept the pressure on after the break. Frances Claire Aceron scored in the 60th minute to extend the lead. UPEI's Rowan Gallagher replied in the 66th. Gunn then capped the scoring with a 72nd-minute try and conversion for the 48–10 final.

Matsukubo was named Acadia's Player of the Game. Gallagher earned the honour for UPEI.

Scoring summary
First half:
ACA — Abbie Chisholm try (conv Sarah Gunn), 7'
ACA — Brielynn Murrant try, 15'
UPEI — Lauren Misener try, 25'
ACA — Taryn McLachlan try (conv Sarah Gunn), 30'
ACA — Juliette Matsukubo try (conv Sarah Gunn), 35'
ACA — Taryn McLachlan try, 38'
ACA — Juliette Matsukubo try, 40'

Second half:
ACA — Frances Claire Aceron try, 60'
UPEI — Rowan Gallagher try, 66'
ACA — Sarah Gunn try (conv Sarah Gunn), 72'

Players of the Game: Acadia — Juliette Matsukubo; UPEI — Rowan Gallagher.

Next up: Acadia hosts UPEI in the AUS semifinal on Wednesday, Oct. 15, at 6 p.m. at Raymond Field.