Fredericton, NB - The St. Thomas University Tommies defeated the Crandall University Chargers in their first game of 2023 by a score of 78-45 at the Lady Beaverbrook gym. The Tommies were able to get four players into double-digits scoring with Sam Stordy (Moncton, NB) leading the way with 12 points. Alyssa Jeffrey (Sussex, NB) scored 11 points with three 3-pointers while Ava Prosser (Johnstown, ON) and Emily Owens (Fredericton, NB) each had 10 and five rebounds. Prosser added three steals to her stat line. 

Kassidy Hamilton led the way for the Chargers with her double-double performance, scoring a game-high 16 points with 11 rebounds. Hamilton shot 4-9 from beyond the arc. Emily Briggs added 11 points while Kylee Balser picked up six steals. 

The Tommies jumped out to a double-digit lead quickly after Olina Ross (Victoria, BC) nailed a jump-shot to make it 13-3 for STU. The Tommies kept up the pressure and ended the first quarter with three consecutive 3-pointers, as Soffee capped off the Tommies run with one at the buzzer. Stordy added another one to the stat sheet as soon as the second started.  

The Tommies led at the half 45-24. 

Soffee kicked off the second half the same way. After making her way to the rim for an easy layup, she picked up one of her four steals, Soffee drove the ball to the rim again, finishing the tough, acrobatic layup while fending off the Chargers defender. She finished with nine points.  

The Tommies defense lived up to its potential, not allowing the Chargers to score more than 11 points in any quarter. 

STU would end up with the 78-45 victory and move to a 7-2 record. The Chargers fall to a 1-10 record, as they trail the University of King's College Blue Devils by two games for the final ACAA playoff spot. The two will tip off in their next game on Jan. 27 in Moncton. Tipoff is at 6:00 PM. The Tommies will visit the Holland College Hurricanes on Jan. 28 in their next game. Gametime is scheduled for 3:00 PM.