Communication, a team approach to defense, and quick transitions from offense to defense will be crucial for the St. Thomas University Tommies women's soccer team this weekend at the Atlantic Collegiate Athletic Association Championships in Saint John.

The Tommies, who finished the regular season with a record of 5-4-3, will face the Mount Saint Vincent University Mystics in the conference semi-final Saturday at 12:30 pm.

The teams split the season series—the Tommies earned a 2-0 win over the Mystics in their home opener and then fell to the Halifax squad 2-0 on the road.

Tommies head coach Michelle DeCourcey said consistency and putting together a strong 90 minutes will be a focus for the team.

 "If we move up the field as a unit, we should be able to hold the ball in their half of the field," she said.

"We'll need to transition quickly between offense and defense, and we'll also be looking to exhibit some more urgency in the final third of the pitch, take our chances on goal when they present themselves, and get an early lead."

Offensively, the Tommies boast one of the best scorers in the league in rookie Nikita McCartney. The first-year midfielder from Berry Mills, NB, leads the conference in scoring with 20 points and is second in goals with nine.

The Tommies will be backed by keeper Mary Cronin, who finished first in the ACAA in goals against average, second in saves, and third in save percentage.

"I'll be looking to Mary to communicate for the team from her place in goal," DeCourcey said.

"We'll also be looking for our midfielders to play tough and win balls in the middle of the park, especially Louisa Hughes, who has been a steady presence for us all year."

This will be the first playoff appearance for the Tommies since 2014.

The ACAA Championships will be streamed live on ACAAtv.ca