Tommies Recap
Six St. Thomas University (STU) teams were in action last weekend. They carried their September success into October, beginning the new month on the right foot. For some teams, week five of competition marked the beginning of meaningful league play. Other teams used the weekend to continue improving, building toward a strong regular season.
Tommies Women's Hockey splits home opener week
The STU Women’s Hockey team began play midway through the week. They hosted the UPEI Panthers in their home opener last Wednesday. During the game, the team fell behind late in the first period. UPEI opened the scoring minutes before the teams went to the locker room.
Despite being down, STU did not break. Forward Megan Kirkpatrick put the team on her back and scored a pair of unanswered goals early in the second. She ended the night with a hat-trick. The Tommies carried the momentum into the third, when Rookie Carys Cross added an insurance marker. In the end, STU took down the Panthers 5-1.
The team played again on Saturday. That night, they took on their interprovincial rivals, the UdeM Aigles Blues. STU opened the scoring midway through the opening period. However, Moncton was quick to respond, scoring three unanswered goals to take the lead heading into the third. They held the lead for the rest of the game. STU was narrowly defeated 3-1.
Rugby 7’s squad hosts tournament on home turf
Your Rugby 7’s Tommies were also in action last weekend. The team continued their inaugural season, hosting a four-team tournament. STU played three games throughout the day. For the graduating players, last weekend was the final time playing in front of the home fans at the Grant Harvey Turf Field.
STU began the day with a pair of narrow defeats. The team found themselves on the losing side of a 17-5 scoreline vs the UNB Saint John Seawolves in their first game. Later on, the squad took on the UKC Blue Devils. STU was ousted 15-12, despite holding the lead for most of the match. Aurora Sutton and Mariah Brown each scored a try.
The day finished with a 39-0 defeat over the Dalhousie Rams. Sutton had two tries in the game, giving her a total of three on the day. Meanwhile, graduating player and captain, Alexis Falconer collected a hat-trick of tries during her last home game. The win will, no doubt, give STU some confidence heading into the playoffs.
Soccer teams take three of four games on the road
STU’s Men’s and Women's Soccer were on the road last weekend. The teams took on the Dalhousie Rams on Saturday, and the Holland College Hurricanes on Sunday. Three of the four games were taken by the Tommies.
The STU Men’s Soccer team finished the weekend with a sweep. Your Tommies defeated Dalhousie 2-0, on the strength of a goal early in the match. The team held the lead until they added a second goal minutes before the full-time whistle. Sunday afternoon was much closer, as STU defeated Holland 3-2. Nana Osei Bonsu led the charge with two goals over the weekend.
Meanwhile, the Women’s Tommies team picked up three out of a possible six points. STU defeated Dalhousie on Sunday 4-1, thanks to a great performance by Lindsey Smith . STU ended the weekend with a 4-0 loss against Holland.
Women’s Volleyball building toward the regular season
The STU Women’s Volleyball team covered a lot of miles last weekend. The team went on a long road trip, one that began in the United States and ended in Quebec. Action began with a pair of games in Maine, on Thursday evening. From there, the squad traveled to Quebec for a series of exhibition games.
STU had a strong weekend. The team found themselves on the winning side of eight of nine matches. The loss came against Garneau. At the same time, your Tommies only dropped three sets. Last weekend was sure to help the team build confidence for the regular season.
Women's Basketball
The STU Women’s Basketball team hit the road to PEI for a pair of exhibition games over the weekend, earning a 77–59 win over Holland College before falling 81–32 to the UPEI Panthers Sunday.
What’s on tap for next weekend
Buckle up, Tommies fans. Next weekend, which coincides with Thanksgiving, is set to deliver a feast of can’t miss athletics action. Your Soccer Tommies kicks off the week on Wednesday with an interprovincial home battle against the UNB SJ Seawolves. STU will be playing the rematch on Thursday night in Saint John.
STU’s Women’s Hockey team are back on home ice for a pair of important matches. The team will host the Saint Mary’s Huskies on Friday. Puck drop is at seven o’clock. STU will be back for a Saturday afternoon tilt with Dalhousie. Puck drop is at three o’clock.
The weekend concludes with a trio of exhibition basketball games. STU’s Women’s team hosts the UMFK Bengals for a Saturday doubleheader. Meanwhile, your Men’s Tommies travel to Miramachi to take on the Cape Breton University Capers.
By: Leo Czank
Photo: Martin Carvajal