Tommies Earn ACAA Rugby All-Conference Honours

The Atlantic Collegiate Athletic Association recognized the best in women's rugby and five St. Thomas University Tommies were among the honourees.

Jessica Sauter, of Moncton, NB, was named the ACAA Rookie of the Year, while Meghan Pollard, of Saint John, NB, Shannon Morris, of Saint John, NB, Abbie LeBlanc, of Fredericton, NB, and Olivia Ricketts, of Saint John, NB, were presented with ACAA All-Conference awards for their standout performances in the 2017-2018 campaign.

Tommies head coach Meghan Morrison was also honoured, earning the conference's Coach of the Year for the third consecutive season.

Sauter, a first-year centre, had a breakout debut season in the ACAA. She scored numerous tries for the Tommies and showed steady improvement as the season progressed.

Morrison said the coaching staff is excited to see Sauter continue to develop in the ACAA.

"Jessica's dynamic speed and confident physicality have made her a dangerous ball-carrier," she said. "She found her way into the endzone many times and we look forward to great things from her."

Pollard, Morris, Ricketts, and LeBlanc Honoured as All-Conference Players

Pollard, a second-year centre and scrum half, was an impact player for the Tommies all season. As a co-captain she was a reliable leader who made strong contributions on both sides of the ball.

"Her speed, dynamic movements, and ability to read the field has resulted in many points for our team," head coach Meghan Morrison said. "Defensively, she's proven to be an impactful tackler who rarely misses her mark."

Morris, now a three-time ACAA all-conference player, continues to use her strength and knowledge of the game to spark the Tommies.

"Shannon is a dominating force in the scrum," Morrison said. "She's very technically skilled, which makes her great in sets, throwing in line outs, and ball handling."

Ricketts, last year's ACAA Rookie of the Year, had a stellar sophomore season as the Tommies' 8-man. She's been a key part of the starting scrum this season and has been a consistent contributor to the team's offensive output.

"Olivia uses her speed, agility, and strength to impact the game," Morrison said. "She's one of our scoring leaders this season and is very dangerous with the ball in her hands."

Rounding out the Tommies conference awards is LeBlanc, a third-year fullback.  A co-captain this season, LeBlanc has been a leader on and off the field for the young STU squad.

"Abbie has been counted on to make critical tackles and kick-returns for us all season," Morrison said. "She's demonstrated great speed and decision making under pressure."

The Tommies earned their fourth straight ACAA silver medal, falling to the University of New Brunswick Varsity Reds SCORE in the championship final.