The St. Thomas University Tommies women’s volleyball team had a whirlwind 2021-22 season. The young Tommies, who had just two players in their third year of eligibility or higher, jumped out of the gate with a 9-2 record in the ACAA before dropping their final three matches to close out the regular season, giving them the fourth seed in the playoffs. The Tommies would host the Dal AC Rams in the first round of the ACAA playoffs, and would see themselves battling back from a 2-0 deficit to move on to the semi-finals where they would face the undefeated Holland College Hurricanes in Charlottetown. The teams would split the first four sets before the Tommies would once again win in five sets, as they would ultimately earn ACAA silver medals.

“We saw nine new players join the program from various scenarios,” said Tommies’ head coach, Don McKay about the makeup of his team. “We acquired many good athletes who bought in early on individual improvement and playing various positions. Seven were true rookies (first year on campus and straight out of high school). There were many unknowns, we started slowly but went on a run winning a lot of tight matches.”

The Tommies will graduate just two players this season, captain Caitlin Jones and Hailee Fleck, who’s presence will be missed says McKay.

“Always tough to lose veterans. Caitlin and Hailee had good years and were able to bring stability as needed. Hailee played three of her four years at STU and is so coachable. Caitlin was a libero, a left side and a setter in her Club and high school careers, and she worked hard to become a top setter in our league.”

Two of the potential returners for the Tommies will be their pair of ACAA All-Stars, Maddie MacGregor and Abby Lanteigne, with the latter also being named the ACAA Rookie of the Year. The Tommies are also bringing in a pair of recruits, Kathleen Boyle and Elle Kilburn, and with their additions, McKay believes his team may be even stronger next season

“With our two recruits coming in we may be even better next season,” added McKay. “Any returning players will have to earn their playing time. We had a lot of rookies play valuable minutes in various situations and that will pay big dividends going forward. Our older players must continue to be a presence for us as well.”