SEASON RECAP: Tommies Climb Atop ACAA Standings in 2017-2018

SEASON RECAP: Tommies Climb Atop ACAA Standings in 2017-2018

The St. Thomas University Tommies met their goal of climbing back atop the ACAA men's volleyball standings in 2017-2018.

After finishing third in the conference with an 8-7 regular season record, the Green and Gold faced the second-place University of New Brunswick Saint John Seawolves in the conference semifinals. Solid offensive contributions from rookies Christian Christie and Garret Dickson powered the Tommies to a 3-0 win in that match and a place in the ACAA championship final.

In the title match, the Tommies took control early and held a two-set lead over the Holland College Hurricanes. The 'Canes rallied to steal a win in the third set, but the Tommies closed out the match to claim the program's fifth championship in seven years. Fifth-year setter Jonah Burridge was an offensive catalyst with 47 assists in the win, while Christie connected for 24 kills and Josh Dorey chipped in with 17.

Christie was honoured as the conference's top rookie and an all-conference player at the championship awards banquet.

At the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association National Championship, the Tommies fell 3-0 to les Titans de Limoilu, dropped a 3-0 decision to the Keyano Huskies, and were bested 3-1 by the SAIT Trojans to finish eighth in the country.