The St. Thomas University Tommies women’s volleyball team comes into the 2019-20 season ranked #9 in the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association national rankings.

Being ranked nationally is something the team didn’t accomplish all of last season.

“This is something that is nice to see and will cause our players to be excited,” said head coach Don McKay, who enters his seventh year with the program. “Being ranked late in the season is the preferred goal.”

Returning to the Tommies are their two ACAA All-Stars from last year, Megan Mills (Fredericton, NB) and Hannah Millier (Fredericton, NB), as well as outside hitters Andrea Bell (Miramichi, NB), Jolie Allain (Miramichi, NB), Olivia Ormond (Oromocto, NB), middle Krysteena Clements (Weymouth, NS), setters Emily Dickson (Miramichi, NB) and Caitlin Jones (Fredericton, NB), and liberos Jenicca Jean (Nackawic, NB) and Mija MacDonald (Barrie, ON). Joining them this year are rookies Danica Godin (Fredericton, NB), Rebecca Pippy (Bridgewater, NS), Maddie MacGregor (Truro, NS), and Janelle Blanchette (Cap-Pele, NB). Another first year Tommie will be 5^th year ACAA transfer, Jenna DeGooyer (New Denmark, NB), who was also named an ACAA All-Star last season. She transfers from the UNBSJ Seawolves.

“Our three ACAA All-Stars will be huge for us this year,” said McKay. “Jenna is a tall body with a tough spin serve; Megan is a big hitter who has drastically improved on defence; Hannah is a solid middle who loves to run a fast offence.”

McKay is happy with the depth of talent he has on this year’s team. McKay has always put his players in positions to succeed and knows that the bulk of his players who have versatility and can play multiple positions depending on the needs of the team that particular match.

“We will be exciting to watch this year, as we are strong both offensively and defensively,” said McKay. “We have some talented rookies too.”

When asked about a goal for the season McKay quickly responded with confidence, saying “ we want to be in the Championship finals”.

“I certainly expect that if we continue to work hard, play smart and avoid any serious injuries that this group will indeed have a long playoff run. One thing is for sure, it is going to be a fun ride!”

The Tommies open their season on the road against the Mount Saint Vincent University Mystics on November 3^rd. They open their home schedule on November 9^th when they host the Universite Sainte Anne Dragons at 7:00pm.