The St. Thomas University Tommies are starting off the 2019-20 campaign with a bang.
They host their Pre-Season Tournament, starting September 20th and running until the 22nd, featuring the reigning CCAA Champions, Fanshawe College Falcons, RSEQ representative, Voluntaires du Cegep de Sherbrooke and U Sport member, University of New Brunswick Reds.
Entering his third year with the Tommies, Christian Christie (Langley, BC) finds himself in a leadership role for the young Tommies. An ACAA All-Star in his first two years in the league, Christie is looking forward to the tough competition to start the year.
“Starting off our year playing such a high level of competition right out of the gate is very exciting for our team,” said Christie. “It is going to be a great way to see where we are this early in our season and how we have improved over the summer. All three opposing teams are very strong and are poised to follow up on their successful 2018-2019 seasons. It will be a good test for us to play against these teams this early in the year, but I know as long as we compete for every point that we have every chance at finishing well at the tournament.”
Head coach Henri Mallet, last year’s ACAA Coach of the Year, is also looking forward to the tournament for several reasons.
“We have a relatively young team with only one fourth year and no fifth year player,” said Mallet. “We are hoping to give experience to our younger players quickly, as we expect our rookies and second year players to play a key role in our success this year. We’ll also be using the tournament to tweak things we see needing improvement to continue as a team a be ready for our season opener.”
One of those rookies looking to gain experience and make an impact right away is Adam MacDougall.
“It’s going to be a big jump from playing club volleyball to competing against such strong competition, but myself and the other rookies are ready for it,” said the Calgary native. “The speed of play will certainly be much faster than what we’re used to coming out of high school, but I’m confident that all of the rookies are more than capable of doing some damage to the other teams. I’ve been looking forward to starting the season for quite some time, and I’m sure the other rookies would agree when I say it will be a fun challenge to have such a competitive start to what’s sure to be a great season.”
The Tommies will open up the tournament against Sherbrooke on Friday evening, and both Christie and Mallet believe this tournament will be a great opportunity for the team and the fans.
“This tournament is a great chance to see where we are as a team ahead of the upcoming season,” said Christie. “Competing against these teams will help us continue building towards our goal of winning a National medal. This is also a great chance to create some momentum early on this year that a lot of teams don't get. Right now we are just putting in the work on and off the court to be ready for the start of our regular season in November and this is another piece of that puzzle.”
“It’s always positive when you can bring this type of competition to you,” added Mallet. “Not only will it be a great development weekend for our players, but it will be a great volleyball weekend for our fans and local club volleyball players. We are quite excited to be able to bring a Battle of the Hill to volleyball fans in Fredericton.”