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University of Massachusets Athletics
Women's Tennis Holds Annual Banquet
May 18, 2007 | Tennis
May 18, 2007
AMHERST, Mass. - The UMass women's tennis team held its annual end of the year banquet on Wednesday. The night featured a look back to a tremendous 13-9 season which included the program's first-ever national ranking. The team came in fourth place at the Atlantic 10 Championships. Michele Spiess, the only senior on the team, was honored for her record-breaking career. Awards were handed out and captains were announced as it was a memorable night for all.
Four awards were handed out. First, Head Coach Judy Dixon announced the Rookie of the Year. The award went to Maude Lecluyse. Lecluyse finished her rookie campaign 18-10 in doubles and 10-18 in singles. She came up with numerous clutch singles victories in deciding points, including at Army and Lynn University. She enjoyed the most success in doubles with sophomore Laura Murillo. They were 5-0 as a tandem.
The Most Improved Player went to Pozar. Pozar started the season good, but brought her game to another level down the stretch. She had a streak of winning 11 of 12 singles matches that finished dating from the Fordham match (2/25) to Xavier (4/20). She finished with a career-high 21 singles victories (vs. only 11 losses), and a 16-13 doubles record.
The Most Valuable Player Award was shared by co-captains Michele Spiess and Masha Pozar. Spiess finished her UMass career in first place all-time in singles victories and in third in doubles wins. Her awards are endless, most notably being named A-10 Player of the Year as a junior and Student-Athlete of the Year as a senior. Just recently, Spiess was named UMass Female Athlete of the Year and Spring Scholar-Athlete for the second time.
The Coach's Award, given to the player who best exemplifies UMass tennis, was given to Maude Lecluyse and Masha Pozar.
Next season's captains were announced as well. To-be seniors Masha Pozar and Kristin DiPiero will share the duties. They look to lead the team in their quest for an Atlantic 10 Title in 2007-08. Stay updated with umassathletics.com for any news and notes during the offseason.