The Tommies were close last year, real close. Making it to the ACAA finals against MSVU, losing in three sets. They will look to make that next step in the 2018-19 season. 

The Tommies lost Claire Richard and last year’s Female Athlete of the Year in Diedra Jones, among others, but the core of the team has returned, as well as some new talent being infused into the mix.

Head coach Don McKay says the start of the season will be a tough stretch for his squad for many reasons.

“Having Olivia Ormond absent due to playing STU soccer and Mija MacDonald being injured, we really haven't seen our team yet,” said McKay. “Our rookies are exciting but will take a little time to adjust to the speed of play.”

There are plenty of those exciting rookies that McKay referred to, including Emily Dickson (Miramichi, NB), Marissa Hallihan (Miramichi, NB), Hailee Fleck (Lampman, SK), Caitlin Jones (Fredericton, NB), Jolie Allain (Miramichi, NB) and transfer student Andrea Bell, who came from MTA where she played hockey for the Mounties.

Trying to fill the void left by Jones and Richard is no easy task as she ranked near the top of the ACAA in most major statistical categories.

“Losing Deidra is definitely a huge loss, as she was our gel on and off the court. Claire also made a huge impact both defensively and offensively,” McKay had to say about two of the players he lost. “We did recruit some very good athletes who have strong volleyball skills, and the returning players will be asked to play a bigger role and possibly different positions to compensate for those players who moved on.”

“Deidra was such a major asset for our team in terms of skill and leadership, and she has definitely left a large void in the program,” said 3^rd year setter Lauren MacDonald (Fredericton, NB). “However, losing her has created an opportunity for multiple leaders to emerge. We are only as strong as our weakest link, and every player has an important role to play, so this year's level of success will be a combined effort.”  

MacDonald is part of a deep returning core for the Tommies, which includes 5^th year setter Veronique McGrath (Caraquet, NB), 3^rd years Hannah Millier (Fredericton, NB), Olivia Ormond (Oromocto, NB), Mija MacDonald (Barrie, ON), Megan Mills (Fredericton, NB), 2^nd year players Andrea Young (Fredericton, NB), Cloée Daigle (St Louis de Kent, NB), Jenicca Jean (Nackawic, NB), and Krysteena Clements (Weymouth, NS).

After getting to the ACAA finals last year in front of their home crowd, the goal for this year is to get back to the finals and knock MSVU off the top.

“Our goal is to get back there again and to win,” said McKay. “We lost 2 starters but believe we have returning players who can contribute. We will need to spread the offence around a little more but Megan Mills, Hannah Millier, Olivia Ormond, Veronique McGrath, Mija MacDonald, Lauren MacDonald have had lots of playing time in the last 2 years and are ready to lead this group of athletes.”

The Tommies open their season Saturday October 27^th at home against UKC. Volleyball and All-season passes are available at the J.B. O'Keefe Fitness Centre. For more information visit https://www.gotommies.ca/fan-zone/tickets.