Panthers even weekend series
The UPEI Panthers evened the two-game series against the Acadia Axewomen 1-1 with a 70-62 win on Saturday night.
The first quarter foreshadowed a close game, with scoring constantly going back and forth. By the end of the first 10 minutes, the score favoured the Panthers by two as they led 15-13.
It was the Axewomen who would come out of the second quarter with a two-point lead: 31-29, but it was Karla Yepez Villamorin of the Panthers scored 11 in the half to lead all players.
The Panthers were supported in the third quarter by Carolina Del Santo (Barcelona, Spain) who took over the scoring lead with 12 points.
‘ Scoring by committee’, the Axewomen took a 46- 43 lead going into the last break.
Not until the last minute did the Panthers finally establish a safe lead. The team went on an eight-point run to put the game out of reach for the Axewomen.
The Panthers handed the Axewomen their first loss of the regular season and drop to 3-1.
Reese Baxendale was a key contributor in the Panthers’ last quarter push and finished with a game-high 18 points. Baxendale made seven of eight free throws and shot five for 14 from the field and was named the Subway Player of the Game.
The Axewomen were lead offensively by Haley McDonald, who made all six of her free throws, scored 12 points, and had two rebounds and assists.
While the Axewomen out-rebounded the Panthers, UPEI took advantage of 16 turnovers that they converted to 14 points.
The Axewomen handed the UPEI Panthers a 73-70 loss on Friday night in the first of two games against UPEI at home this weekend.
The Axewomen began the game shooting very well and outscoring their opponents 17-7 though the first 10 minutes.
Jane McLaughlin of the UPEI Panthers lead the first quarter with six of her team’s seven points.
The Panthers entered the second quarter looking to improve on their first quarter performance. Jenna Mae Ellsworth took charge of her team and closed off the half with an astounding 18 points.
The score going into the third quarter was set at 33-27 Acadia advantage. Though the Axewomen maintained their lead, the scoring differential halved over the second quarter.
The Panthers continued their push throughout the third quarter, bringing themselves within one point. Ellsworth added 10 in the quarter to bring her game total to 28.
The Axewomen still led the game after three quarters 50-49.
Reese Baxendale had an opportunity to tie the game for the Panthers in the last few seconds. After successfully stealing the ball and breaking down the court, her three-pointer attempt did not go in, and the Panthers would miss their last chance to force overtime.
Acadia’s Player of the Game, Shalyn Field posted a team high 18 points, while teammates Ellen Hatt and Lanae Adams had 16 and 13 points, respectively. Field also led the Axewomen with eight rebounds.
Following the game, Field pointed out how tough the conference is and how she was happy with her game and the support her team gave her.
The final score of the game was 73-70 for the Axewomen.