The St. Thomas University Tommies used three first half goals to propel them to a 4-2 victory over the defending ACAA Champions, Mount Saint Vincent University Mystics, in the ACAA Semi-Finals Saturday morning.
Nikita McCartney (Berry Mills, NB) scored twice in the opening half and was a vital part of the Tommies third goal, working her way into the 18-yard box before being taken down for a penalty kick, which Jessica McWilliams (Tracadie, NB) would convert.
"Nikita is a dangerous striker with a strong will to score," said Tommies head coach Michelle DeCourcey. "She was on her game today and that's always a dangerous thing for our opponents.
Allana Khoury would score for MSVU in the first half, but the Tommies would go into the breakup 3-1. STU used some great energy from first year winger, Abby Cameron (Fredericton, NB) to build off to start the game.
"Abby had a great game on the left wing," added DeCourcey. "She started out in more of an attacking role and then helped solidify the back line once we had a lead. Her speed and disciplined play were very important for us today."
The Tommies didn't take their foot off the gas pedal in the second half as 2nd Team ACCA All-Start, Louisa Hughes (Fredericton, NB), scored three minutes into the half to give the Tommies a 4-1 cushion. After a quick response from Marilyn Burke to cut the lead to 4-2, the Tommies defensive line, led by McWilliams and 1st Team ACAA All-Star Kaleigh Roberts (Moncton, NB), would take the game over.
"Jess and Kaleigh were solid as ever today," said DeCourcey. "MSVU fought very hard to equalize in the second half, but we held it together and did well to fend off their attack.
"From keeper to striker, it was a team win for the Tommies today."
The Tommies will wait for the winner of UNBSJ and Holland College to see who they will face in tomorrow's ACAA final, scheduled for 12:30pm. The Tommies men's team will face the Seawolves of UNBSJ tonight at 5:30, looking to book their ticket to the ACAA finals once again. All games can be seen on acaatv.ca.