The St. Thomas University Tommies women's soccer team has its sights set on the 2017 Atlantic Collegiate Athletic Association playoffs.

The STU squad plans to build on the work put in last year, especially on the offensive side of the ball.

"We came a long way last year and are looking to pick up where we left off. We did well defending as a team, but we struggled to connect our final passes and capitalize on opportunities in front of the goal," Tommies head coach Michelle DeCourcey said.

"This season, we'll look to take advantage of these chances as a more offensively-minded team."

The Tommies welcomed eight new players to this year's roster—Nikita McCartney, Victoria Muise, Melanie LaPlante, Natalie Boucher, Kaleigh Roberts, Rhys Dixon, Kassidy Richard, and Louisa Hughes.

DeCourcey said this group has already brought good energy to the Tommies program.

"Victoria, Melanie, and Natalie are all soccer-smart defenders, Nikita and Louisa will be the creative centre for our squad, and Kaleigh will act as our defensive midfielder," she said

"Kassidy and Rhys will work hard on both ends of the pitch for us as rookie wing midfielders."

The Tommies will maintain their team-defense approach this year in the ACAA and will be looking to possess and be patient offensively. The team's greatest advantage this season will be in the centre of the field.

"Our team is strong through the centre of the pitch. We have experienced and skilled centre backs and midfielders," DeCourcey said. "We'll look to this core group to create our offensive chances and hinder our opponents' efforts."

Despite being a young team, DeCourcey is confident her squad will compete with the best in the league.

The Tommies begin the regular season Saturday, September 9 when they host the Mount Saint Vincent University Mystics at Scotiabank Park South. Game time is 2:00 pm.