U SPORTS No. 9 Axewomen improve to 3-0 with 5-0 win over SMU

WOLFVILLE, N.S. - The Acadia Axewomen won their second home game of the season in a 5-0 win against the Saint Mary's Huskies on Sunday afternoon.

The Axewomen pressed hard in the first half, maintaining control of the ball and completing their passes. At around 11 minute mark, Allie Scovil (Hubley, N.S.) had a shot at an open net from up close, but she sliced the ball over the crossbar.

Fifth-year Axewoman Jenna Boudreau (Halifax, N.S.) put her ball-handling skills on display throughout the first half, resulting in several chances for her team. Despite heavily outshooting their opponents, the Axewomen remained tied with the Huskies for the majority of the first frame.

Spencer Skinner (Hammonds Plains, N.S.) wasn't forced to make too many saves for the Axewomen in the first 45 minutes, but the Huskies were making the most of their few chances. Skinner made a desperation save against Alexa Tymkiw (Vernon, B.C.), who was inches from giving the Huskies the game's first lead.

With moments left in the first half, Axewomen veteran Jenna Boudreau scored off a nice pass from Julea Walsh (Hammonds Plains, N.S.). Before the crowd could settle down, the Axewomen added another, 29 seconds after their first. The Axewomen made it a 2-0 game off a goal from Scovil.

Acadia continued their attack in the second half, giving Saint Mary's keeper Grace Morrison (Halifax, N.S.) a difficult time in net. Jenna Boudreau set up the third goal for the Axewomen with a great cross to Grace Longley (Bedford, N.S.), who settled the ball down and finished the play.

The score easily could've risen to 5-0 had Acadia not hit the post twice in 2 minutes.

All the life had been drained from the Huskies in the second. The aggressiveness they displayed in the first half faded and the Axewomen took over the rest of the game. The Huskies were not able to land a shot on net in the second half.

Longley potted her second goal in the 74th minute, bringing the score to 4-0 for the Axewomen.

Acadia finally got that fifth goal when striker McKenzie Kelly (Barss Corner, N.S.) leaped through the air and headed the ball in the net. Kelly came off the bench for the Axewomen and had a goal to her name after only 3:09 on the field.

The final score of Sunday's match was 5-0 for the Axewomen.

Jacqueline Stevens (Kentville, N.S.) assisted on Acadia's second goal and was setting up scoring chances all game. Her efforts earned her Acadia's Subway Player of the Game award.

"We have really been working on moving the ball at a quicker and set the pace, so we can great down the team easier and get the result we want," noted Stevens following the win.

Without the defensive efforts of Fiorella Morales (Bedford, N.S.), the Huskies could have lost by much more. Morales was recognized as the Huskies' Player of the Game.

After the game, head coach of the Axewomen Amit Batra said that his team wasn't on their game in the first half, but glad they were able to turn it around after halftime. Over the past week, he's been encouraging his team to play at a faster pace and force their opposition to adjust to their style.

The Axewomen are back at home on Friday when they take on Dalhousie at 5PM.

The Huskies will host the CBU Capers this Friday afternoon.

Provided by Theodore Giesen, Acadia Athletics Communications