White scores 20 in loss to Axewomen

WOLFVILLE, Nova Scotia — Acadia University (2-0) defeated Dalhousie University (0-2) 74-54 on Saturday at Stu Aberdeen Court, using a commanding 22-point third quarter to pull away.

The Tigers began the first quarter with a strong start, highlighted by two early 3-pointers from Cairo Henning and Madelyn White, giving the visiting team an edge. The team capitalized on the Axewomen's turnovers, maintaining momentum with consistent scoring and extending their lead to five points at one stage. As the quarter progressed, the Axewomen responded by closing the gap, and with less than a minute left, the teams were tied. The quarter concluded with both teams even at 16 points, after Victoria Fournier's free throw secured the tie.

Dalhousie began the second quarter maintaining a narrow lead, highlighted by a successful layup from Fournier, assisted by White, at 9:46 to bring the score to 18-16. However, the Axewomen quickly responded with a layup to tie the game. The Axewomen then pushed ahead with a series of successful plays, including a three-pointer by Samantha Russell at 6:50, extending their lead to seven points.

Despite efforts to close the gap, including a jumper by Henning that brought the Tigers within three points at 4:43, the Axewomen maintained their momentum. Dalhousie managed to keep the score competitive with free throws and a layup by Melina Collins, making it 27-32 late in the quarter. The Axewomen closed the quarter with two free throws, maintaining a 34-27 lead heading into the next quarter.

The Axewomen opened the third quarter with a strong showing, quickly extending their lead through a series of successful field goals. Dalhousie's White provided a response with a layup assisted by Henning at the 9:00 mark, cutting into the Axewomen's lead. However, the Axewomen maintained momentum with consistent scoring, including a three-pointer from Amelie Bouchard with 2:43 left on the clock.

Despite a three-pointer by White at 4:42, the Tigers struggled to close the gap as the Axewomen continued to expand their lead. The Axewomen's Russell was instrumental in maintaining pressure with multiple baskets in the paint. The quarter ended with the Axewomen holding a substantial lead, 56-37, as both teams prepared for the final stretch.

Dalhousie began the fourth quarter with a 3-pointer by White, assisted by Rihonna Beals, cutting into the Axewomen's lead. Despite several offensive rebounds, the Tigers faced challenges with turnovers and missed opportunities at the basket, allowing the Axewomen to maintain a double-digit advantage. Late in the quarter, Fournier contributed with pivotal layups and free throws, but the Axewomen continued to answer back, extending their lead.

The Axewomen capitalized on defensive stops and turnovers to counter Dalhousie's efforts, highlighted by scoring in the paint and converting free throws. Dalhousie closed the quarter with a narrow scoring margin, but the Axewomen's consistent lead held firm, ending the quarter with the Axewomen ahead 74-54.

White led Dalhousie with 20 points, hitting three of six attempts from beyond the arc. Fournier added 14 points, converting eight of 14 free throws and contributing two assists. Henning scored nine points, including two three-pointers, and dished out four assists. Collins chipped in six points and collected two rebounds.

The Tigers head to Antigonish on Wednesday to battle the X-Women.