Tommies Punch Ticket to ACAA Final With 74-64 Victory Over Hurricanes

Fredericton, NB – The St. Thomas University Tommies booked their place in the Atlantic Collegiate Athletics Association finals by defeating the Holland College Hurricanes 74-64 on Friday evening.

The Tommies had lost three games during the regular season and two of those were at the hands of the Hurricanes. This game was a chance for STU to prove that they deserved their place in the finals. The game was also full of stars, with both teams comprising of All-Conference Team players.

Holland started the better of the two teams but the second quarter was where the game turned. STU managed to restrict the Hurricanes to just seven points, while they went on to score 20. Holland fought back well in the third quarter but did not have enough to get past the Tommies.

The team effort was magnificent from St Thomas, especially on the defensive side. Emily Owens (Fredericton, NB), who was selected in the All-Conference first team, was the main scorer and she finished the match with 17 points, nine rebounds, two assists, and four steals.

"We wanted to get her into a positive head space and you saw when she is positive that is what she can play like and she was massive for us today," STU coach, Fred Connors, said after the game.

Grace Bennett would lead the Hurricanes with 16 points and 10 rebounds, while Lisa Bolander chipping in with 15 points and 6 rebounds.

STU had to go through much adversity to win as their star player, Vanessa Soffee (Fredericton, NB), did not finish the game due to an accumulation of fouls. Kylee Roi (Saint John, NB) stepped up and filled the role. She was the livewire of the team and finished with 14 points, six rebounds, seven assists, and three steals.

"Kylee stepped up and she was outstanding today and it's the best game I've ever seen her play and thankfully she had that game today," Connors said.

Connors said that he is looking forward to the final and believes that if the team can recreate the energy they showed today, then they have a great chance to win it all.

The Tommies will make the trip to MSVU on Sunday where they will both compete for championship.