Balanced attack for Axewomen tames Tigers

WOLFVILLE, N.S. — The Acadia Axewomen secured a commanding 67-37 victory over the Dalhousie Tigers in AUS women's basketball action Sunday at Stu Aberdeen Court.

Samantha Russell led the Axewomen with 16 points, 11 rebounds and a perfect 6-for-6 performance at the free-throw line. Sarah Delorey added 19 points, nine rebounds and a game-high nine field goals. Bianca Helmig contributed 10 points and a team-best three assists, while Bianca Minelli made an impact defensively with a team-high two steals.

Eva Widmeyer led Dalhousie with 10 points, hitting five of 14 shots. Karina Sarai recorded a team-high three blocks and one steal, while Mercy Olugu made all four of her free-throw attempts, finishing with six points and five rebounds. Sydney Guker-Wickie added five points, three rebounds, three assists and one block for the Tigers.

Acadia led 15-9 after the first quarter, using a strong defensive effort and rebounding advantage to take control. The Axewomen outrebounded the Tigers 13-8, including six offensive boards, while forcing three steals and dishing out four assists. Despite shooting just 25 per cent from the field, Acadia capitalized on second-chance opportunities to build an 11-point lead at one stage.

The Axewomen extended their advantage in the second quarter, outscoring Dalhousie 22-11. Acadia shot 10-for-18 from the field and 2-for-6 from three-point range while adding three blocks and two steals. Delorey led the offensive push, helping her team take a 17-point lead into halftime.

Acadia continued to control the game in the third quarter, outscoring the Tigers 20-11. The Axewomen dominated in the paint, scoring 10 points to Dalhousie's six, and collected 15 rebounds, including six on the offensive glass, leading to eight second-chance points.

The fourth quarter saw Acadia outscore Dalhousie 10-6, capping off a dominant performance. The Axewomen hit two three-pointers and converted four free throws to stretch their largest lead to 32 points. They also grabbed 12 rebounds, with 10 coming on the defensive end. Dalhousie struggled offensively, shooting just 3-for-19 and missing all nine of its three-point attempts.

The Axewomen are back in action Wednesday when they visit Dalhousie for a 6 p.m. tipoff.