--- Becca Baker---
Fredericton NB - St. Thomas University women's basketball team overcame the Holland College Hurricanes 81-67. Sealing 1st place in the league and increasing to an 9-game winning streak.
Fred Connors, head coach for the Tommies, says that he is amazed at what his team did today on the court. After asking Connors how his team was able to attain this win his reply was, "I have no idea."He continued, "we had players throwing up in the warmup, we have players sick trying to get over colds, and we have a player with a separated shoulder." Connors was proud, "we were playing a good team, the players found an extra gear and then went out". He said his team put in a "crazy, crazy gutsy effort" today.
Strong defender and starter, Madison Owens (Fredericton NB), sat on the bench recovering from sickness. Connors says that over the past week many of his players have been dealing with sickness and a few with injuries. "its hard to lose Maddy she has been important for us all year but I thought Emily stepped up and played some great minutes for her". Owens is recognized for her leadership and her calmness on the floor, which was still apparent in todays game.
For the Tommies, Vanessa Soffee (Fredericton, NB) finished the game with a game high of 25 points, 10 rebounds, 6 assists, and 4 steals. Bridget Frazee (Sussex, NB) next with 16 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 steal. Frazee, 4thyear player, says "we had to tough that game out, other players on the team had to step up and fulfill roles that others usually would. Emily Owens (Fredericton, NB), did an amazing job at covering the floor and starting in a new position". Frazee continues, "the team came together and did what we needed do to win and it feels good".
Rookie Sam Stordy (Moncton, NB), dealing with a separated shoulder managed to knock down 11 pts, along with 5 rebounds, and 3 steals.
Hurricanes new addition, Aki Kobayashi (Osaka, Japan) finished the game with 19 pts, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists. Kassandra Little (Stratford, PE) had 13 pts and a game high of 14 rebounds. Holland College Hurricanes have moved to 3rd place in the league.
The Tommies face The Mount Allison Mounties at The Pit, 2pm on Saturday. Although the games do not affect standings, can they increase to a double-digit winning streak