Valley scores 16 in loss to Axewomen
Sarah Valley had a team high 16 points in the 93-60 loss to the Axewomen.
RECAP BY: Ryan Wallace, Acadia Athletics
WOLFVILLE, N.S. – After a split against the Cape Capers last weekend, the U SPORTS No. 8 ranked Axewomen got back on track with a 93-60 win over the visiting Dalhousie Tigers and improve to 11-3.
The Subway Player of the Game Sarah Delorey (Elmsdale, NS) dropped a game-high 23 points, along with 6 rebounds and 2 blocks. Sarah Valley (Regina, SK) was the player of the game for the Tigers. Valley led Dalhousie with 16 points on 66% shooting.
"We knew we had to stay focused. The last time we played in December, they gave us a run for our money", noted Delorey. "We knew we had to come in strong and work just as hard, if not harder, for the forty minutes."
The Axewomen seized the lead early in the first quarter and maintained it throughout the game.
Dalhousie focused on forcing turnovers with a full-court press defensive scheme. This strategy showed some benefit as the Tigers were able to force 23 Acadia turnovers - outscoring Acadia 19 – 13 in points off turnovers.
However, the Axewomen were able to break through the press with crisp passing on many occasions.
Acadia's excellent passing was evident in the box score as Acadia recorded 24 assists in the contest compared to 10 by Dalhousie. Haley McDonald (Port Williams, NS) did most of the playmaking for the Axewomen. McDonald dished out 9 assists to go along with her 19 points.
Late in the second quarter, the Tigers reduced Acadia's lead to 10 points. The run was driven by Anjuli Gosal (Brampton, ON). Gosal shot 80% and scored 11 of her team's 19 points in the second quarter.
Unfortunately for Dalhousie, that was the closest the game would be for the rest of the match as Acadia retook control.
The Axewomen currently hold the top spot in AUS standings and will look to maintain this position over the final six games of the season.
For Dalhousie, the loss drops them to 1–15 this season.
The Axewomen will play the UNB Reds tomorrow at home, while the Tigers will make the trip to UPEI to take on the Panthers next weekend.