(Fredericton, NB) The University of Mount Saint Vincent picked up right where they left off last year beating the St Thomas University Tommies 68-59 during the Ken Gould Invitational Tournament.  

The Mystics were one of the best teams in the ACAA last season, finishing the regular season with only one loss, and being one of two teams to represent the ACAA at CCAA national championships.  

With staunch defence and a solid returning core the Mystics picked up where they left off last year, getting out to an early lead over the Tommies, running the lead to 18-15 after the first quarter.  

First year guard Vanessa Soffee (Fredericton, NB) was in attack mode for the Tommies from the opening tip.  

"She's just got such a calm demeaner. The bigger the moment the more she seems to want to relish it," said head coach Fred Connors about his rookie guard. "If you look at her, at no point does she ever look rattled or out of control." 

Soffee finished the game with 10 points and 10 rebounds to be named Player of the Game for STU. Christina Richardson (Ottawa, ON) chipped in with 11 points and Bridget Frazee (Sussex, NB) and Lainy Dow (Fredericton, NB) each had 10 for the Tommies.  

"It was a lot of fun and a really good atmosphere," remarked Soffee about her first game of the Ken Gould tournament. "Tomorrow is going to be the same. I am just going to find ways to help my team the best I can and play as hard as I can." 

Nikki Arsenault (Summerside, PE) paced the Mystics with 15 points and 8 rebounds in the victory. Kelsey Crocker and Tahlia Jones had 10 points each to help the Mystics.