(WOLFVILLE, N.S.) - The Acadia Axewomen (4-12) faced off against the AUS second-place UNB Varsity Reds (7-9) Saturday afternoon at War Memorial Gymnasium.
The Varsity Reds squad looked to extend a two-game win streak to three and did just that, defeating the hometown Axewomen in three close sets.
The first set was an exhibition of great defensive skills, including impressive blocking by both teams.
Midway through the first set, the Varsity Reds pulled away on a 6-1 run, spurred by their defence. Despite the see-saw battle, the Axewomen came up short 27-25 to end the set.
The second set saw Acadia fall behind 10-0 early but they chipped away at the deficit and tied the set at 24 apiece. The Varsity Reds would score the final two points to take the match as the Axewomen comeback fell short.
Down two sets, Acadia fought to get back into the match and jumped out to an early 4-0 lead to start the third set. UNB would answer back and the game remained close until the end. The Axewomen were down 18-20 before the Varsity Reds scored four of the final five points and claimed the final set 24-19.
Subway player of the game Paige Nelmes had seven kills and 14 digs for UNB while Vanja Mitrovic added 14 kills and Paige Paulsen had 29 assists.
First-year outside hitter Carlotta Frasca was the player of the game for Acadia with eight kills, four digs and a service ace.
Sarah Ross had added 12 kills while senior Hilary Monette added 17 digs. Olivia Boudreault and Tessa Bulmer shared the setter position and added 15 and 12 assists respectively.
Acadia returns to action next Sunday at home against Saint Mary's before travelling to Memorial to wrap up the regular season. The Varsity Reds will travel to Halifax to play a pair of games against Dalhousie and Saint Mary's next weekend.
Source: Ashley Hasler for Acadia Sports Communications