WOLFVILLE N.S. – The Acadia Axewomen (0-6) were looking to register their first win of the regular season against the Dalhousie Tigers (1-5) Sunday afternoon in Wolfville. The Tigers had other plans in mind and took the match in three straight sets. Dalhousie is now tied with Universite de Moncton for third place in the AUS standings.
In set one, both teams were evenly matched until midway through the set when Dalhousie pulled away with five straight kills. The set would end 25-18 in favour of the Tigers.
The Axewomen started the second set strong but fell apart halfway through the set. It was Dalhousie who was able to put the ball in the empty spots and end on a 9-0 run, taking the set 25-10.
With Dalhousie up two sets to none, the Axewomen came out fighting in the third set. With the score 24-21 and the match point at hand, Acadia had their strongest rally of the game earning a point and closing the gap 24-22 but the next point would be the end of the match as Tiger Anna Dunn-Suen recorded the kill.
Head coach Michelle Wood remains positive with the team's abilities but notes the need to make change including a reduction in unforced errors. "We were inconsistent, not having enough grit to hold tight on our position and maintain our execution. We continue to lack control and a sense of awareness of when to make an aggressive play versus trusting our defense, resulting in unforced errors". Adding, "We passed well to start off the match in set one and put them into trouble with our tough serving in set 3. Olivia and Hillary both made defensive plays to extend multiple rallies but our hitters struggled to put the ball away. Marissa Chin had a great offensive match, however we couldn't keep it in system enough to be able to utilize her."
Wood is focused on having the team earn points and eliminating errors through increased training intensity. "To finish off the second half we will be investing a lot of time on competitive behaviours in training to create a higher intensity environment that will directly translate into match play. We want to be a team that earns our points instead of relying on teams to make errors. Out team is ready to grow and work to achieve this", indicated Wood.
The Subway Player of the Game for Acadia was third year outside hitter Jazmin Logue-Prest with five kills and five digs. Jessica Josenhans earned the honour for the Tigers with eight kills and three blocked shots for 12.5 points.
Second year middle, Marissa Chin also recorded six kills for Acadia. Olivia Boudreault added 15 digs while Hilary Monette had 13 for the Axewomen.
Anna Dunn-Suen nine kills and 12 digs for the Tigers, while teammate Julie Thelsen finished with 12 digs.
Acadia will take on Cape Breton at home next Saturday and then travel to face Saint Mary's on Sunday. Dalhousie will head home to face Saint Mary's next Saturday and will play Cape Breton on Sunday.