Tough start to second half for hoop Axewomen

BY JOHN DECOSTE

Kings County Register

It’s certainly not the start Acadia women’s basketball head coach Angie McLeod was looking for.

The Axewomen, owners of a respectable 3-3 record before Christmas, started off the 2008 portion of their AUBC schedule with a pair of losses. Acadia fell 73-52 at Saint Mary’s January 4, then dropped a 65-52 decision to the Dal Tigers January 5 in Wolfville.

Acadia’s 3-5 record after eight games left the Axewomen in a three-way tie for fourth place in the conference standings. The top six teams make the playoffs, though Acadia will qualify automatically as they are hosting the conference championships.

January 4, Acadia was looking for good things, having defeated SMU 87-46 in the first meeting between the two teams in early November. This time, however, the Huskies jumped out to a 21-9 first quarter lead and cruised to an easy 21-point win.

Marrla Evans had 16 points, including four three-pointers, in a losing effort for Acadia. Becky Mutch added 15 points, and Emma Duinker had six points and nine rebounds.

The game was notable: for the first time in AUS history, a women’s basketball game was officiated by an all-female officiating team. Taking part in the historic occasion were Valley resident Sandra Wood, Erin Schaus and Mary-Alice Butts.

January 5 at War Memorial Gym, Acadia again fell behind early, trailing 18-13 after one quarter, 32-21 at halftime and 49-29 after three quarters. The Axewomen won the final quarter 23-16, but were still behind by 13 at the final buzzer.

Brianne Osimok had 18 points and 11 rebounds in 36 minutes for Acadia, which shot just 23.5 per cent in the first half and 34.9 per cent overall and was outrebounded 36-28. Jaclyn Krucik also had a good game with nine points and six boards.

The Axewomen will try to turn around their disappointing start to 2008 when they travel to UNB for a pair of games this Saturday evening and Sunday afternoon.