Russell leads Axewomen over Tigers in lone game of the week

The Acadia Axewomen used strong shooting and dominant rebounding to secure a 71-54 victory over the Dalhousie Tigers in AUS women's basketball action Wednesday at the Dalplex. Acadia shot 39.7 per cent from the field and outrebounded Dalhousie 51-30 to claim the win. Samantha Russell (6'0''-F) led the way for the Axewomen with 17 points, making six of 15 shots, including three three-pointers, while adding 11 rebounds. Bianca Helmig (5'6''-G-2002) had nine points, eight assists and two steals, while Iris Leuschner (5'4''-G) contributed six points, going two-for-four from beyond the arc, and grabbed five rebounds. Bianca Minelli (5'9''-F-2004) was active on the boards with seven rebounds to go with five points and three assists. Sarah Delorey (6'2''-F) provided a strong inside presence with 10 points on five-for-10 shooting and six rebounds. Dalhousie's Melina Collins (5'9''-F) led her team with three steals. Madelyn White (5'11''-F) finished with 13 points and six rebounds, while Simona Matic (5'5''-G) added eight points, five assists and two steals. Samantha Manieri (6'1''-C) contributed 12 points and six rebounds, and Sydney Guker-Wickie (5'9''-G) matched Collins with three steals. Dalhousie led 19-18 after the first quarter, despite Acadia's strong rebounding. The Axewomen pulled down 15 boards—including 11 defensive rebounds—and had six second-chance points. There were four ties and two lead changes in the quarter as both teams exchanged baskets. Acadia outscored Dalhousie 17-12 in the second quarter, hitting three three-pointers and forcing five turnovers. The Axewomen capitalized with seven points off turnovers and took a 35-31 lead into halftime. The third quarter proved decisive as Acadia dominated 24-7, shooting 60 per cent from the field and connecting on three three-pointers. Meanwhile, Dalhousie struggled, making just two of 17 shots. Russell led the charge with a three-pointer, a layup and two free throws, while Acadia won the rebounding battle 14-8. Dalhousie outscored Acadia 16-12 in the fourth quarter, but the Axewomen's lead proved insurmountable. Acadia shot four-for-18 in the final frame but remained steady defensively, grabbing 12 rebounds and recording two steals to close out the win. With the victory, Acadia improves to 12-5 on the season. The Axewomen return to action next Wednesday when they visit Saint Mary's for a 6 p.m. tipoff.
Courtesy of: acadiaathletics.ca