Tigers outlast Axewomen in five-set thriller

WOLFVILLE, N.S. — The Acadia Axewomen fell 3-2 to the Dalhousie Tigers in a tightly contested Atlantic University Sport women's volleyball match Friday at Stu Aberdeen Court.

Dalhousie claimed the opening set 25-22 after an early surge that included kills from Grace Calnan (Cole Harbour, NS) and Annik Boldon (Fredericton, NB). Acadia's Jenna Lake (Conception Bay South, NL) led a late rally, but Dalhousie secured the set with a decisive kill by Boldon.

The Axewomen evened the match with a 25-23 victory in the second set, bolstered by service aces from Lake and Mia Lemay-Evans (Azilda, ON). Acadia took the third set 25-23, led by Wesley-Ann Bailey's (Ottawa, ON) offensive prowess.

The Tigers regained momentum in the fourth set, winning 25-18 thanks to standout performances from Boldon and Quinn McAleer (Calgary, AB). Dalhousie carried their momentum into the fifth set, dominating with a series of blocks and service aces to close out the match 15-7.

Acadia standouts
Lake contributed five service aces and 16.5 points for the Axewomen, while setter Katie MacLean (Humboldt, SK) delivered 34 assists. Mia Lemay-Evans (Azilda, ON) recorded 10 total blocks and added 16.5 points, including four service aces. Defensively, Sophie Edgar (Wolfville, NS) tallied a team-high 18 digs, and Bailey posted a .462 hitting percentage with seven kills.

Dalhousie leaders
Boldon shone for the Tigers with 17 points, 20 digs, and four aces. Talia Vydykhan (Hammonds Plains, NS) led all scorers with 18 points and added 14 digs, while Ella Hornby (Calgary, AB) recorded 17 points and a .244 hitting percentage. McAleer orchestrated Dalhousie's attack with 36 assists, and Alessandra Nadalini (Bedford, NS) anchored the defence with 18 digs.

The loss dropped Acadia to 3-4 on the season, while Dalhousie improved to 6-1.

Next weekend Acadia's only match of the week will be Saturday in Halifax against Dalhousie, while the Tigers also welcome Saint Mary's on Friday night to Dalplex.