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Axewomen defeat Huskies 52-12 in season opener
Posted: Sep 07, 2025

Axewomen defeat Huskies 52-12 in season opener

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HALIFAX, NS – The Acadia Axewomen opened the season with a 52-12 win over the Saint Mary's Huskies in Atlantic University Sport women's rugby action on Sunday afternoon at Huskies Stadium in Halifax.

The Axewomen began with possession, but Huskies #14 Elliana Porter (Bridgewater, NS) intercepted a pass and sprinted nearly 80 yards downfield to give the Huskies excellent field position. Saint Mary's pushed the ball to the goal line, but encountered nearly 10 minutes of resistance from the stout Axewomen defence.

Finally at the 11 minute mark, the Huskies broke through, with #8 Sophie Van Berkel (Shearwater, NS) plunging in for the try, and #15 Isabel Goncalves (Wellington, NS) nailing the conversion to give the hosts an early 7-0 lead.

But the Axewomen responded quickly, with a try from #11 Gabby Shaw (Windsor, NS). #10 Sarah Gunn (Scotsburn, NS) missed the conversion, cutting the Huskies lead to 7-5.

Acadia quickly regained possession and took the lead thanks to a try from #8 Olivia Savoie (Garnett Settlement, NB) with Gunn making the conversion to put the visitors ahead 12-7 in the 18th minute.

The Axewomen added to their lead in the 25th minute as #14 Juliette Matsukubo (Ottawa, ON) broke out on a long run for a try, with #12 Ava Demmings (Hantsport, NS) hitting the conversion to extend the lead to 19-7.

In the 30th minute, Acadia scored again, as #6 Brielynn Murrant (Port Caledonia, NS) held the ball and was pushed past the line by a group of Axewomen. Gunn made the conversion to extend the lead to 26-7.

Moments before the half-time whistle blew, Acadia #5 Kali Jones (Lake Echo, NS) set up Murrant for her second try of the half, with Gunn's conversion pushing the Axewomen lead to 33-7 at the half.

The Axewomen continued to add to their lead in the second half, with #16 Taryn McLachlan (Batawa, ON) scoring a try to extend the lead to 38-7 in the 45th minute.

Acadia scored two more tries in the second half from #18 Stella Fenney (Halifax, NS) and McLachlan's second try of the day, with Demmings hitting both conversions.

The Huskies crowd had one more reason to cheer as speedy Elliana Porter broke away for a late try, cutting the lead to 52-12 which would be the final score.

#4 Jenna Gallant was named Player of the Game for the Axewomen, while #7 Alexia Brazeau was named Player of the Game for the Huskies.

The Axewomen start 1-0, while the Huskies fall to 0-1. Both teams will hit the road next weekend, as the Huskies visit the 1-0 STFX X-Women, while the Axewomen visit to the 0-1 UPEI Panthers, with both matches schedule to kick-off on Saturday, Sept. 13 at 2 p.m. AST.

SCORING SUMMARY:
 SMU 7-5: 12
ACA 33-19: 52

First half:
 SMU #8 Sophie Van Berkel try 11th minute (#15 Isabel Goncalves convert)
ACA #11 Gabby Shaw try 15th minute
ACA #8 Olivia Savoie try 18th minute (#10 Sarah Gunn convert)
ACA #14 Juliette Masukubo try 25th minute (#12 Ava Demmings convert)
ACA #6 Brielynn Murrant try 30th minute (#10 Sarah Gunn convert)
ACA #6 Brielynn Murrant try 40th minute (#10 Sarah Gunn convert)

Second half:
 ACA #16 Taryn McLachlan try 45th minute
ACA #18 Stella Feeney try 73rd minute (#12 Ava Demmings convert)
SMU #14 Elliana Porter try 75th minute
ACA #16 Taryn McLachlan try 80th minute (#12 Ava Demmings convert)

Players of the Game:
 ACA: #4 Jenna Gallant
SMU: #7 Alexia Brazeau

Legend:
 Try: 5 points
Penalty goal: 3 points
Convert: 2 points

Recap by Allan April / Saint Mary's Huskies Athletics
Photos by Eduardo Ibarra / Saint Mary's Huskies Athletics