Russell leads Axewomen past Capers to open weekend road trip

SYDNEY, N.S. — Acadia defeated Cape Breton 87-73 in AUS women's basketball action Friday at Sullivan Fieldhouse. 

Samantha Russell led the Axewomen with 30 points, shooting 13-for-25 from the field, while adding 17 rebounds and seven steals. Bianca Helmig chipped in 22 points, including three three-pointers, and grabbed five rebounds. Lisa Bolander contributed 16 points, hitting three from beyond the arc, and added three assists. Bianca Minelli was a defensive force with a team-high four steals and six rebounds.

Cape Breton's Kiyara Letlow had a standout performance with 24 points, 11 rebounds, and five assists. Letlow was efficient from the field, shooting 8-for-13, and converted eight of nine free throws. Alicia Bowering added 13 points, shooting 5-for-8, including three from three-point range. Chermensa Van La Parra scored 11 points, recorded three steals, and added three assists. Amanda Cruickshank and Hannah Smith each contributed two steals, with Smith also recording two blocks.

The Axewomen trailed 24-23 after the first quarter despite an efficient offensive start. Acadia made eight of 21 field-goal attempts, including three three-pointers, and were a perfect 4-for-4 at the free-throw line. Russell led the way with strong scoring and defensive efforts, contributing to Acadia's 11 rebounds in the frame. Cape Breton closed the quarter with a narrow lead after Acadia had built a six-point advantage earlier.

In the second quarter, Acadia took control, outscoring Cape Breton 27-13. The Axewomen shot 12-for-17 from the field, including 2-for-4 from beyond the arc. Russell was instrumental, dominating on both ends of the court as Acadia capitalized on eight Cape Breton turnovers to establish a 13-point lead.

Cape Breton responded in the third quarter, outscoring Acadia 21-13. The Capers took advantage of 10 Acadia turnovers, converting them into eight points and adding six second-chance points. Despite offensive struggles, the Axewomen maintained their lead with a strong defensive showing, recording five steals and a block.

Acadia sealed the victory with a dominant fourth quarter, outscoring Cape Breton 24-15. The Axewomen shot 9-for-13 from the field, including 2-for-4 from three-point range, and were perfect at the free-throw line, going 4-for-4. Acadia forced four Cape Breton turnovers, recording four steals and a block, while scoring 12 points in the paint to stretch their lead to 19 points early in the quarter.

The Axewomen wrap up the weekend on Saturday in Antigonish against the X-Women.