(FREDERICTON, N.B) The UNB Varsity Reds women's basketball team won both their games in a double-header weekend season home opener against the Acadia Axewomen, taking the second victory 72-53 Saturday afternoon. 

"We got off to a bad start yesterday, so we wanted to fix that today," said Kylie DeLong, referring to their inability to get on the board until 5.5 minutes into last night's game. 

Just like last night, it took a while for either team to get on the board. But unlike in their previous match-up, UNB was the first to take lead with Grace Wade scoring first just over two minutes into the game.

The V-Reds would maintain the lead for the game's entirety, never having less than a nine-point differential. Acadia would only score three points in the first quarter, while UNB managed to get 20. The Axewomen fared better in the second quarter, racking up 15 points to UNB's 11. 

The V-Reds seemed to find their rhythm in the third, shooting more consistently and moving a stronger defensive line. They would lead Acadia in total points in the final half, getting 22:18 in the third and 19:17 in the fourth. 

DeLong was a strong presence on the court today, posting 14 of the V-Reds' 72 points and 12 rebounds. The fourth year said they didn't play as well as they have been in their pre-season, but they managed to come back in the second half to take the lead.

Although DeLong played a leadership role in the game, she was quick to add that each girl has a role to play.

"We all kind of do our own thing in our own ways," she said. "There are different ways to lead."

DeLong is in her fourth year of eligibility, but only her first year with the team. A St. Francis Xavier transfer, she said it's a different feeling coming in this late into a career, but, "the girls are great and we got some rebounds and some points," she said.

The Varsity Reds' next regular season game is set for Nov. 14 at 6 p.m. when they visit the Saint Mary's Huskies in Halifax.

The Axewomen will host the StFX X-Women Nov. 12 at 6 p.m.

Source: Bronte James for UNB Sports Information