Lobato Leads Tommies in ACAA Awards Haul
The Atlantic Collegiate Athletic Association has named their 2021-22 All-Star teams and award winners and the St. Thomas University Tommies have a quartet of winners.
First year Tommies, Gustavo Lobato, was named the ACAA Player of the Year and ACAA All-Star after leading the leading in attacking percentage and service aces.
“Gus is one of the best, if not the best player ever to play in this conference,” said Tommies’ head coach, Henry Mallet, about his left side hitter. “His ability to score at a high percentage, no matter what the situation is very impressive. His ball control offensively at the net and from the service line is at an international level and he showed it this year leading the league in hitting percentage with a ridiculous .373 and 31 service aces.”
Joining Lobato on the All-Star team were perennial All-Stars Garret Dickson and Christian Christie. Christie, who have both been all-stars the last three seasons, with Christie being named a league all-star in each of his seasons with the Tommies.
“We are very fortunate to guys like Gus, Chris and Garret forming the core of our team,” added Mallet. “They are not only outstanding volleyball players but their work ethic is second to none, creating the type of environment we want as a program and for younger players to develop in.”
Christie is coming off a year where he finished 4th in the ACAA in kills per set, with 3.20 and hit a rock solid .319, while finishing 3rd in aces.
“Christian is the best all-around player on our team, and the scary thing is that he keeps improving yearly,” said Mallet about one of his captains. “He’s obviously very dominant at the net with his 3.20 K/s on a .319 hitting percentage, but he’s our best blocker and a tremendous passer. His ability to stay calm in key moments is the reason our program has had success over the last four years.”
Dickson has been an elite middle in the ACAA since he began with the Tommies in 2017-18, and after his rookie season upped his game each year. He finished 3rd in the ACAA in total blocks with 22, while hitting an impressive .338.
“Garret isn’t the most flashy player, but as much of a dominant middle player as you’ll find in this league. Very hard to stop offensively, he demands so much respect from the other teams that it creates opportunities for our other players. Without any surprises, he’s a strong blocker but his ball control is as good as anyone.”
Mallet was also named the ACAA Coach of the Year for 3rd straight season, after leading the Tommies to a 9-1 record.
“I am pleased to see Henri being recognized by his peers for his tremendous efforts and look forward to seeing his team in action during the play-offs," said St. Thomas Director of Athletics, Michael Eagles.
The Tommies will open their playoffs against the Hurricanes tonight at 8:00pm.