CHARLOTTETOWN – The Axewomen basketball team is heading into the holiday break on a high after topping the UPEI Panthers 86-63 on Saturday night.

Samantha Russell had a game-high 28 points to lead the Acadia offence, one rebound off a double-double with nine on the night. Russell also had two blocks, which was matched off the bench by Ryan George.

Elizabeth Iseyemi finished with 20 points and 12 rebounds for her sixth double-double in nine games to open the season. With her night, she also moved back into the league lead in scoring, averaging 19.8 points per game.

Bianca Helmig and Lisa Bolander also finished in double figures, dropping 14 and 13 points respectively.

Defensively Helmig and Russell had three steals apiece.

Acadia will now be off until January 5 when they travel to Cape Breton to face the Capers.