Moncton hands Axewomen 3-1 loss in final weekend of AUS schedule

(WOLFVILLE, N.S.) - Winning the first set 25-12 over Moncton, the Axewomen fell three strait games to lose their tenth match of the season.

The Axewomen, who have qualified for the post-season championship tournament at Dalhousie next weekend, fall to a 4-10 record. Their last game of the regular season is tomorrow night against the UNB Varsity Reds.

Holding onto the lead for the entire first set, Acadia allowed Moncton to close the gap to one at 19-18 but pulled away on two attack errors by the Aigles Bleues and a kills by Acadia's Marissa Chin and Sarah Ross wrapping up the set with a final kill.

The Axewomen pulled out to a 13-7 lead early in the second game, but Moncton tied the set at 14 on a Natasha Leblanc kill.

A back and forth set tied again at 20 on a Joline Richard service ace and a kill by Alyssa Turenne gave Moncton their first lead and eventual 28-26 win despite Sarah Ross tying the game at 23 with a kill.

The Aigles Bleues began the next set with a commanding 8-4 lead that stretched out to an eventual 21-11 lead, but the Axewomen closed the gap to 22-15 before falling 25-18 in the third set, giving Moncton a 2-1 lead heading into the fourth game.

Moncton took an early lead in the eventual final fourth set, pulling out to an 8-4 advantage, but Acadia fought back to tie the game at nine.

Moncton pulled out again to an 18-11 lead following a Genevieve Leblanc kill and five attack errors by Acadia.  The Axewomen fought back from a 20-13 deficit to tie the game at 20, but ultimately fell short, losing 25-23.

Subway Player of the Game Joline Richard had eight kills along with 11 digs and one service ace. Genevieve Leblanc had a game-high 13 kills and 19 digs. Moncton improves to 6-9 and third place in the AUS standings.

Rookie outside hitter Sarah Ross posted 12 kills for the Axewomen along with 12 digs, while senior graduating Axewoman Kristen Bolduc added 11 kills and three service aces. Hillary Monette added a great defensive effort with 21 digs.

The Axewomen face the visiting UNB Varsity Reds on Saturday night and then have a day off before a make-up game against Saint Mary's on Monday in Halifax before the Subway AUS championship weekend starts next Friday, Feb. 14 at Dalhousie.

Moncton will play next tomorrow, Sunday, at 2 p.m. when they host the UNB Varsity Reds.

Source: Acadia Sports Information