MacLaughlin leads Tigers to 3-0 win over Axewomen

HALIFAX, Nova Scotia — Dalhousie University secured a straight-sets victory over Acadia University on Friday at Dalplex, with set scores of 25-23, 25-22, and 25-16. The hosts dominated at the net, recording nine total blocks to the Axewomen's four.

Dalhousie began the first set against the Axewomen with a service error, giving Acadia an initial lead. The Axewomen capitalized on this with a kill by Brianna Bourque, assisted by Katie MacLean, extending their advantage. Dalhousie responded quickly with a kill by Mel Hatfield, narrowing the gap. Midway through the set, Acadia held a lead of 12-8 thanks to strong offensive plays, including a kill by Alexia Lemay-Evans. However, momentum shifted when Dalhousie's Jaimie Pike served an ace during a 5-0 run, putting the hosts ahead at 18-16. Despite a late push by the Axewomen, Dalhousie secured the set 25-23 after back-to-back service errors from both teams concluded the action.

Acadia established early control in the second set with a 3-1 lead, fueled by a pair of kills from Alexia Lemay-Evans. Dalhousie responded as Hatfield and Kasandra Trenke each secured kills, narrowing the gap. Acadia maintained their lead with a service ace and a kill by Mia Lemay-Evans to extend to 8-5. However, Dalhousie staged a comeback, with Madelyn MacLaughlin serving up consecutive aces to level the score at 13-13. The set remained tight, with the hosts eventually pulling ahead to 22-20 after an attack error by Jenna Guy. Dominika Aniolowska's kill secured the final point, giving Dalhousie a 25-22 victory in the set. Notably, MacLaughlin's performance earned her the distinction of being named the player of the game.

Dalhousie took control of the third set with a series of scoring plays, eventually winning 25-16. After the Axewomen secured an early 2-0 lead with kills by Bourque, Dalhousie responded with a 5-1 run, highlighted by two service aces from MacLaughlin. Brooke Graham contributed significantly with a block and a kill, pushing Dalhousie's advantage to 11-6. Despite a brief rally by Acadia, Dalhousie extended their lead to 19-9 with key plays from Hatfield. The Axewomen attempted a late comeback, scoring five consecutive points, but an attack error by Mia Lemay-Evans sealed the set for the hosts.

Hatfield led Dalhousie's effort with 11 kills and added 13 points. MacLaughlin distributed the ball effectively with 21 assists and served five aces. Ella Hornby contributed defensively with 13 digs and recorded four blocks. Sophia Stubeda chipped in with three kills and 10 digs.

The Tigers return to the court on Saturday at 3pm when they face the UdeM Aigles Bleues.