UNB takes five-set battle over Axewomen

Acadia fell in five sets to undefeated UNB on Sunday at Stu Aberdeen Court, dropping the match 25–20, 25–19, 12–25, 12–25, 15–7. The Reds' serving proved decisive, registering 13 aces, including key runs in the final three sets.

Acadia opened the match with strong momentum after an early kill from Alexia Lemay-Evans. The Axewomen erased a 3–1 deficit with kills from Mia Lemay-Evans and blocks by Charley McDonald to even the score. A service ace from Katie MacLean helped tie it at 9–9, and Acadia pushed ahead with kills from Alexia Lemay-Evans and Allison Van Zeumeren. UNB errors and steady net play extended the lead to 23–18 before Alexia Lemay-Evans closed the set at 25–20.

The Axewomen carried that momentum into the second set, opening with a service ace from Mia Lemay-Evans. MacLean directed the offense effectively, while Alexia Lemay-Evans and Van Zeumeren continued to produce. Kills from Jenna Lake and Alexia Lemay-Evans built a narrow edge mid-set, and a late service ace from Mia Lemay-Evans helped secure a 25–19 win and a 2–0 match lead.

UNB responded with a dominant third set, using pressure from the service line and strong first-ball offense to seize control. Despite kills from Alexia Lemay-Evans and contributions from Olivia Nicholls and Lake, the Reds' serving runs created separation. Acadia staged a brief push through McDonald and Alexia Lemay-Evans, but UNB closed the frame 25–12.

The Reds continued their momentum in the fourth set, jumping ahead 3–0. McDonald broke the run with a kill, and a service ace from McDonald later tied the set 5–5. However, UNB built another run to regain a multi-point lead. Despite kills from both Lemay-Evans sisters, UNB's consistency at the net and in transition pushed the set to another 25–12 finish, forcing a fifth.

UNB carried their strong serving into the final frame, starting with a 3–0 lead behind kills from Heather Benko. Acadia answered with points from Van Zeumeren and Mia Lemay-Evans, but service errors and UNB's blocking slowed the comeback. The Reds continued to apply pressure and closed out the match 15–7.

Alexia Lemay-Evans led Acadia with 18 kills and 14 digs, finishing with 19.5 points. MacLean recorded 28 assists and 12 digs, while McDonald posted seven kills, four total blocks and an ace. Mia Lemay-Evans added four kills and three solo blocks.

UNB's Lydia Green led all scorers with 25 points, including five aces and 16 kills. Setter Talia Nixon totaled 39 assists and 15 digs, while Benko added 17 kills and three aces. Isla Olesen anchored the defense with five solo blocks.

Acadia closes the first half of the season on Nov. 28 at home against Dalhousie at 7 p.m.