Axewomen edged 33–31 by STFX in AUS championship thriller

ANTIGONISH, N.S. — Acadia built an early two-try lead and mounted a late surge, but fell 33–31 to STFX in the AUS women's rugby championship Wednesday at STFX Stadium. Both teams advance to next week's U SPORTS championship in Vancouver.

The Axewomen struck first just 90 seconds in when Sarah Williston finished in the corner and Sarah Gunn added the convert. STFX answered four minutes later through Allison LeBlanc, converted by Katie Murphy, to level the match 7–7.

Acadia regained control mid-half. In the 16th minute Emma-Claire Heaslip powered over for an unconverted try, then Olivia Savoie scored in the 24th. Gunn's second conversion pushed the lead to 19–7.

STFX responded with a decisive burst before halftime. Jessie Penney scored tries in the 30th and 37th minutes, with one Murphy convert, to tie it 19–19. In the final play of the half Kendra McDonell crossed and Murphy's third convert gave the X-Women a 26–19 lead at the break.

The hosts extended the margin in the 59th minute when prop Val vonMuehldorfer touched down, and Murphy's kick proved to be the difference. Trailing 33–19, Acadia rallied. Samantha Reid scored in the 63rd minute to cut the deficit to nine.

In added time, AUS most valuable player Brielynn Murrant finished a late drive to bring the Axewomen within two. Gunn quickly slotted the convert, but the final whistle followed, sealing the 33–31 result.

Gunn was named Acadia's Player of the Game. VonMuehldorfer earned the honour for STFX and was selected championship MVP.

Scoring summary
First half:
ACA — Sarah Williston try 1' (Sarah Gunn convert)
STFX — Allison LeBlanc try 5' (Katie Murphy convert)
ACA — Emma-Claire Heaslip try 16'
ACA — Olivia Savoie try 24' (Gunn convert)
STFX — Jessie Penney try 30' (Murphy convert)
STFX — Jessie Penney try 37'
STFX — Kendra McDonell try 40' (Murphy convert)

Second half:
STFX — Val vonMuehldorfer try 58' (Murphy convert)
ACA — Samantha Reid try 63'
ACA — Brielynn Murrant try 80' (Gunn convert)

Players of the Game: Acadia — Sarah Gunn; STFX — Val vonMuehldorfer.

Note: Acadia and STFX will represent the AUS at the U SPORTS championship in Vancouver, Oct. 29–Nov. 2.