Fredericton, NB – The St. Thomas University Tommies began the new season with a 69-35 victory over the University of New Brunswick Saint John Seawolves on Friday evening.

The Tommies were playing this match at home and did not disappoint the fans. The first quarter saw the Seawolves rush into the lead but that was the last time that they would hold the lead. The Tommies upped the energy from the second quarter and held UNBSJ to zero points in the second quarter.

"It was just a matter of settling ourselves down. We wanted to get back to the fundamental things on the defensive end and we made sure we pressuring where we want to pressure and take care of the basketball," STU coach, Fred Connors, said after the game.

Senior and rookie members of the team pushed the Tommies to victory. Celine Sterckel (Moncton, NB) finished with a game-high 17 points, with three rebounds, three assists and two steals. Connors spoke about Sterckel's performance after the match.

"She's very solid for us, she's a senior captain for us and she was able to keep things calm when we were getting a bit rattled."

Paige Leblanc (New Maryland, NB) also had 17 points in her first Tommies match, in addition to four rebounds, three assists and two steals.

"She's just like having a senior player. She has been outstanding for us since the start of the year and putting her into the starting line-up has shown no drop off. She is a scorer in so many ways," Connors said about Leblanc after the match.

The Tommies next match is on Sunday when they visit the Holland College Hurricanes. The Seawolves are also in action on Sunday as they host the University of King's College Blue Devils.