Unified Team Approach Essential for Tommies Women’s Basketball in 2017-2018

The St. Thomas University Tommies women's basketball team is taking a unified team approach to the 2017-2018 season.

Tommies head coach Fred Connors said passing up good looks for great ones and putting the team first will be essential for his team in this year's campaign.

"Our focus this season is on moving the ball and playing solid team basketball," he said. "So far we like the way we're playing together and have seen some solid moments."

The Tommies, who finished fourth in the Atlantic Collegiate Athletic Association in 2016-2017, lost two players from last year's roster and have welcomed three to this year's squad—Alana Dowling, a guard from Quispamsis, NB, Leila Rashid, a guard from Cole Harbour, NS, and Tiffany McLong, a post from Sussex, NB.

"We're pleased with how our rookies are playing so far," Connors said.

"Alana was recently named an all-star at our Ken Gould Invitational tournament, Leila showed great strides in exhibition games in Quebec, and Tiffany, who came to us after two years at UNBSJ, is adjusting to our style of play."

Returning to the Green and Gold this season are fifth-year post Jessica Patenaude, fourth-year guards Jayme Hunt and Sara Banks, third-year guard Lainy Dow, and second-year players Taylor Forsythe, Bridget Frazee, Christina Richardson, Becca MacNeil, and Madison Owens.

With a roster made up primarily of second and first-year players, the Tommies will be looking for consistency on both ends of the floor, with a particular emphasis on defense.

"Where we want to make the greatest strides is on the defensive end," Connors said. "We want to be more detailed and prideful in getting stops and establishing that style of play."

The Tommies will begin the regular season Saturday, November 4 when they host the Mount Allison Mounties at the Lady Beaverbook Gym. Tipoff is at 2:00 pm.