Tommies Weekend Recap

Six St. Thomas University (STU) teams entered week four of competition. From the ice to the turf, every athlete put their best foot forward. They proudly represented the green and gold. All teams came out of the weekend with points in the standings.  

Tommies Women's Hockey splits final weekend of the preseason 

Last weekend was an exciting one for the STU Women’s Hockey team. The squad hosted a pair of exhibition games.  Friday’s game went down to the wire, while action the next night ended in STU’s favour.  

Friday marked the first “battle of the hill” of the season. STU welcomed the UNB Reds, in a game that needed overtime to determine a winner. The team opened the scoring early in the first, holding the lead until the second period when UNB scored a pair of unanswered goals. Nadia Lavoie later tied the game, sending things to overtime. STU was defeated 3-2.  

Saturday’s game was a different story. The team welcomed Mount Allison Mounties to town, in a game where STU dominated start to finish. The team scored two goals in the first period, followed by a four-goal onslaught in the second frame. STU carried the wave of momentum to an impressive shutout.  

STU enjoyed contributions from up and down the line-up. Forward Amy Dvernichuk led the charge. She collected a goal and two assists in the pair of games. Megan Kirkpatrick was another crucial factor. She finished the weekend with two goals and two assists.  

Cross Country STU Meet  

STU’s Men’s and Women’s Cross Country team took part in the second meet of the season. The event was held at Odell Park in Fredericton.  

The Men’s and Women's teams each claimed top five finishes. STU’s male squad finished in second place. Second place is one of the best results recorded by STU’s Cross Country. Meanwhile, our female runners took home fifth place.  

Kensea Aaron was the leading runner on the Men’s side. The third-year athlete completed the race in just over 28 minutes. His finish was good enough for fourth place. Aaron had a shot at the podium, constantly keeping pace with the front of the pack.  

Meanwhile, Elizabeth Vigneau led the way on the Women’s side. She completed the 6km event in almost 28 minutes. The victory helped her finish in eleventh place. Vigneau was one of two STU runners in the top 20.  

4pt Weekend for Tommies Soccer 

STU’s Men’s and Women's Soccer team were at home last weekend. The team hosted the Crandall Chargers, in an interprovincial matchup. Both games resulted in points for the Tommies. 

The Women’s squad kicked off the doubleheader. The team downed the Chargers 1-0, thanks to a goal minutes before the halftime break. Ella Mercer opened the scoring off a broken play caused by a perfectly placed corner. STU held the lead for the remainder of the match.   

Meanwhile, the Men’s Tommies also put in a good effort, but were unable to find the back of the net. The team was on the attack for most of the game, as they posed the ball mostly in the opponent’s half. STU outshot Crandall. In the end, your Tommies drew even.  

Men’s Basketball kicks off preseason 

STU’s Men’s Basketball Team kicked off their season last weekend. The squad played their first two preseason games, the first at home and the second on the road. Both games ended in victories for the Tommies.  

On Friday, STU welcomed Sherbrooke to the hardwood. The team faced adversity throughout the game, trailing after three quarters. However, a strong fourth quarter allowed them to take the win 87-77. Vincent Lyttleton led the way with 19 points.  

Your Tommies continued their winning ways on Saturday afternoon. The team hit the road for another exhibition game against Rothesay Netherwood School. STU defeated the Riverhawks 86-69. 

Tommies Rugby team collect mixed road result  

STU’s Women’s Rugby 7’s team hit the road last weekend. The squad were in Truro for the second tournament-style event this season. Saturday’s event was the second since the team began competing in the ACAA rugby 7’s league.  

STU hit the ground running . They won their first game of the day 10-5 over Dal AC. Your Tommies split the two other games of the day, defeating UKC and losing to UNB Saint John.  

What’s on tap this weekend?   

Buckle up, Tommies fans. Next weekend is set to deliver some can’t miss action. Proceedings begin on Wednesday night, when the STU Women’s Hockey team hosts the UPEI Panthers in their season opener. Puck drop is set for seven o’clock. The team is back on the ice on Saturday to take on Moncton.  

The Rugby 7’s team will be on home turf for a trio of games on Saturday afternoon. Kickoff is at 12 o’clock.  Meanwhile, the Soccer Tommies will travel to Truro and PEI for a pair of games.  

By Leo Czank 

Photo by Martin Carvajal