Can’t touch women’s tennis — the Beacons are 3-0 on the season, following their 7-0 shut-out of Albertus Magnus College Sept. 13.
UMass Boston beat down badly on the free falling Falcons; they’re 0-6 now following this recent loss. Albertus Magnus joins Plymouth State University and Curry College as bottom-feeders victimized by the Beacons’ violence. The back-to-back champs outscored the three schools 20-3.
But don’t run a victory lap quite yet, and not just because the Beacons are only three games into the season — the previously mentioned schools sit at a combined 2-14 record as of Sept. 18. However, a win is indeed a win — kind of, sort of, but definitely. It’d be crass to say UMass Boston hasn’t faced any real competition yet, but it’s not quite incorrect, either.
Nevertheless, the Beacons are dominating, and doing so on the road. Still yet to play a home game, the Beacons don’t get one in Boston until Sept. 24 against Vermont State University Castleton. It’s not until around then that UMass Boston’s in-conference schedule starts to pick up; three of their next four are Little East Conference opponents, including the Spartans.
The unanimous favorites look good, but aren’t alone in the LEC. Salem State, who the Beacons are slated to play after Albertus Magnus, have opened their season 3-1, as of Sept. 18. Undefeated at home are the Vikings; they’ll clash with UMass Boston’s unbeaten road record.
Another roadblock in the LEC is Rhode Island College. The vengeful Anchormen have leaped out to a 7-0 record, shutting five opponents out. They’ve got a target squared right on the Beacons’ back after consecutive losses in the LEC Championship. Rhode Island College had won five straight titles before being dethroned.
Preceding their game with Rhode Island College, the Beacons will see another hot LEC team in Bridgwater State, although their 3-1 start was dampened by an 8-1 beating by the Anchormen. It’s getting time for UMass Boston to stamp an impressive win of their own — against a worthy opponent, that is.
Salem State is their first test, and so far they’ve aced their preparation. UMass Boston gets to chase Rhode Island College’s 7-0 record — set due to wonky scheduling — an added motivator for the Beacons, who already have their eyes set on the Anchormen’s five straight championships.
A rivalry is brewing between these two squads. Often, when a dynasty is uprooted by another winning giant, they cannot coexist. You don’t see Tom Brady or Bill Belichick still breaking down Kansas City Chiefs film. Well, that is unless you tune into Fox or ESPN.
The Beacons’ road is going to get tougher from here on out; how they’ll handle it is still to come.
