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The St. Thomas University Tommies have bolstered their defensive corps with their latest addition to the 2018-2019 lineup.

Florence Awde, of Mount Albert, ON, will join the STU squad in the Atlantic University Sport conference this fall and will help fill the gap left by senior defender Samantha Squires, who graduated this spring.

Tommies head coach Peter Murphy said he's looking forward to watching Awde develop in his program.

"We're very pleased to have Florence join the Tommies," he said. "She's a quick defender with the ability to join the rush and get a shot away quickly from the point. She's aware in the defensive zone and looks to support the puck and her partner effectively in all situations."

Awde comes to the Tommies from the Mississauga Jr. Chiefs of the Provincial Women's Hockey League. This season, the blueliner tallied five assists, one goal, and eight penalty minutes.

The soon to be high school graduate chose St. Thomas after visiting campus. She said the atmosphere and size of the university appealed to her immediately.

"The instant warm welcome from everyone I met on campus made me feel at home," she said. "Coming from a small town, I have an appreciation and love for the small, tight-knit community STU provides. I can't wait to be a Tommie."

The Tommies continue to be among the top teams in the AUS, finishing third in the 2017-2018 regular season. Their season came to an end in the second round of the playoffs at the hands of the Saint Mary's Huskies, who went on to claim the conference crown.

Awde will join Brooke Stanford, of Whitby, ON, and Tristyn Elford, of New Liskeard, ON, in this year's recruiting class.

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