Axewomen roll past Saint Mary’s to open AUS women’s rugby season

HALIFAX — The Acadia Axewomen opened their Atlantic University Sport women's rugby campaign with a convincing 52-12 win over the Saint Mary's Huskies on Sunday afternoon at Huskies Stadium.

The Huskies opened the scoring in the 11th minute when Sophie Van Berkel touched down after sustained pressure near the Acadia line. Isabel Goncalves added the conversion for a 7-0 lead.

Acadia answered quickly. Gabby Shaw scored in the 15th minute, followed by tries from Olivia Savoie and Juliette Matsukubo as the visitors surged ahead 19-7. Brielynn Murrant crossed twice before halftime, both converted by Sarah Gunn, sending the Axewomen into the break with a commanding 33-7 advantage.

The second half was more of the same. Rookie Taryn McLachlan scored a pair of tries, while Stella Feeney added another to seal the result. Ava Demmings kicked two late conversions.

Elliana Porter had the lone second-half try for Saint Mary's in the 75th minute.

Flanker Jenna Gallant was named Acadia's Player of the Game, while Saint Mary's forward Alexia Brazeau earned the honour for the Huskies.

Acadia (1-0) travels to Charlottetown next Saturday to face UPEI, while Saint Mary's (0-1) visits Antigonish to take on St. Francis Xavier. Both matches are scheduled for Sept. 13 at 2 p.m. AST.

Webcasts of all games are available online at www.AUStv.ca 

-30-

Photo courtesy of SMU Athletics