On October 22, the Lady Beacons of women’s tennis came up short in their match against UMass Dartmouth in the first round of the LEC Tournament, losing 5-2 on the road. However, the loss does not diminish the team’s achievements this year.
Senior co-captains Sam Counts and Anitra Kloczewiak led the UMass Boston Women’s Tennis team to a miraculous 6-3 win over the Plymouth State Panthers on the last day of the season, Oct 19, to earn a spot in the Little East Conference Playoffs. The Lady Beacons doubled last season’s wins, and made the playoffs for the second time in three years.
“I think we were considered underdogs this year, so to fight back from the bottom to get a place in the playoffs is amazing,” Counts said. “I’m so glad we could do this during my last season playing.” The LEC pre-season poll picked the UMass Boston team to finish eighth, but they clinched the sixth and final playoff spot. On a team of freshmen and sophomores, Counts and Kloczewiak’s leadership was essential, and undoubtedly a key to the Lady Beacons’ run.
Counts said she hopes she was “a reason my girls loved their first year playing, and want to keep playing.” She gave credit to the rest of the team for the playoff push. “I was surprised by how much chemistry is a factor. A close-knit group is going to be more successful, regardless of skills.”
Looking back on her career, Counts said, “I wish I had focused on (team chemistry) more in previous years, but everything that has happened has led here, and being here is wonderful.”
Counts has left a lasting mark. “I was surprised,” she says, “but apparently I’m already in the record books. I have the second-most games played, over 100, right behind Anitra. But honestly, I’ve always been less concerned about numbers and more about people.”
Looking back on her career, Counts knows she and Kloczewiak leave behind a strong, close-knit team. “I definitely think the team is in good hands.” She said. “We had a dedicated and talented group of girls this year, with the most incredible team chemistry. And it’s only going to get better…There is definitely a future for UMB tennis, and I want this school to recognize that we are here.”
Counts promises to maintain contact with her former teammates. “I will always be a Lady Beacon,” She said.