The Atlantic Collegiate Athletic Association has named their women’s basketball award winners Wednesday afternoon, prior to the league’s quarterfinal games that night with a trio of Tommies being honoured.
A pair of third year guards for the Tommies were named ACAA 1st Team All-Stars as Vanessa Soffee (Fredericton, NB) and Emily Owens (Fredericton, NB) were recognized by the league for what they have done this season. Soffee was also named a CCAA All-Canadian, marking the second straight season she has been awarded that. Madison Owens (Fredericton, NB), a 5th year forward with the Tommies, was a late addition to the 1st Team All-Star group, after a correction to a voting tabulation error.
Emily, one of the top shooters in the league, averaged 10.1 points per game, while shooting 42.9% from the three-point line. She has fought through numerous injuries this season and came back better than ever following the return to play.
“She was always a very good defender, but this year she has added a great scoring touch after working very hard on her shooting,” said Tommies’ head coach, Fred Connors. “She has taken a real leadership role this year which stems from her confidence as a player and person. We are very proud of her and are glad to see her hard work paying off.”
Maintaining an elite level of playing throughout her career, this season was no different for Soffee, who did it all for the Tommies: scoring, passing, rebounding, and defending. She averaged 9.5 points per game, 4.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 2.2 steals per game, while controlling one of the most balanced offenses in the ACAA.
“Vanessa has had another solid year for us this year,” said Connors. “She has been an outstanding floor general who can lead us in many ways throughout a game and season. Some games she scores more. Others she passes more. She is always focused on doing what needs to be done to win. Her defense is always disruptive and for a small guard she rebounds the ball with tenacity. We are very proud and excited for her for another great season and another well-deserved award.”
The Tommies will await the end of the Wednesday’s quarterfinal matchups to know who they host in the ACAA semifinals on Friday night at 6:00pm.