(WOLFVILLE, N.S.) - Seven different players scored for the Axewomen rugby team as they dropped UPEI 39-12 in the second of two semifinals this weekend at the Subway AUS women's rugby championship hosted by Acadia.
The Axewomen entered the dressing room at halftime with only a 7-0 lead on a Kelsey Brumm try converted by Erin Beazley 16 minutes into the game.
The Panthers played tough defence against the Axewomen who averaged 58 points versus UPEI this season, holding Acadia to seven in the first half and 39 for the game.
Axewomen head coach Matthew Durant complimented the Panthers' effort. "UPEI played a solid game and they are one of the most physical teams in the conference," he said.
Durant added that his own team played well and tough. "The game will prepare us for the championship matchup against StFX. I was impressed with our team's toughness, playing through injuries during the game."
The Axewomen's Kristine Lovatt, named the Subway player of the game for her effort, scored five minutes into the second half.
AUS all-star Janna Slevinksky added another try four minutes later.
But the Panthers would not give up, scoring their first try of the game. Alysha Corrigan scored the first of her two tries in the loss to the Axewomen. Corrigan was named the UPEI player of the game. Corrigan's try was converted by Lauren Chamberlain.
Veronique Russell, Shannon White and Clarissa MacDonld scored one try each for the Axewomen with one converted before Corrigan added her second of the game - unconverted. With a 34-12 lead with three minutes remaining, Acadia added their last try of the day by Laura Klingenberg - unconverted to give the Axewomen a 39-12 win. Erin Beazley added two converts to the tally.
With the win, the Axewomen will advance to the championship final game against the StFX X-Women for the fifth time in a row. Last year's championship game was settled between both teams after two overtime periods with the X-Women retaining their title run.
Scoring Summary:
First Half:
ACA – 24 min. – Kelsey Brum try, converted by Erin Beazley - 7-0
ACA – 5 min. – Kristine Lovatt try, not converted - 12-0
ACA – 9 min. – Janna Slevinsky try, not converted - 17-0
ACA – 23 min. – Veronique Russell try, not converted - 22-7
ACA – 28 min. – Shannon White try, converted by Erin Beazley - 29-7
ACA – 35 min. – Clarissa MacDonald try, not converted - 34-7
UPEI – 37 min. – Alysha Corrigan try, not converted - 34-12
ACA – 39 min. – Laura Klingenberg try, not converted - 39-12