The Swampscott High School girls tennis team’s magical run to the Final Four following an undefeated regular season came to an end on Wednesday after a nail-biting 3-2 defeat at the hands of defending state champions Dover-Sherborn High School.

Singles players freshman Ginger Gregoire and senior Ana Eccles won their respective matches, but the Big Blue needed one more win to move on.

“It was a great season,” said Eccles. “Especially for us seniors, it was such a great way to end it. This was the farthest we’ve ever gone in the playoffs. Everyone played amazing and I’m so proud of everyone.”

The Big Blue finished the season with a record of 21 wins and just one loss. The team went nearly two and a half months without losing. In total, Swampscott outscored their opponents 82-8 in the regular season.

Eccles and fellow seniors Alexia and Ava O’Donnell said they will greatly miss the coaching staff of Emily Cilley and Michael Benton.

“They’ve been great coaches,” said Eccles. “It’s Miss. Cilley’s first year and she’s a great coach. I couldn’t ask for a better coach. We’ve had Michael since we were freshmen. He’s amazing. He does everything for us. I’m sad it’s over.”

The senior trio agreed that despite the disappointing loss, the team has much to be proud of.

“Making it to the Final Four within itself was such a special experience,” said Ava. “It was such a great season.”

Ava said that the team will be strong next year as well and could make it right back to the Final Four again.

Despite returning a number of key players next year, Benton said the program will feel the loss of Eccles and the O’Donnell sisters.

“I’m going to miss their leadership, their great smiles and great attitude,” said Benton. “They are going to be sorely missed. It’s kind of bittersweet for me because I’ve been with them since they were freshmen. I’ve seen their game grow but also seen them grow as individuals and grow as people.”

The success of the 2026 Big Blue girls tennis team will live on inside the halls of the school as their Final Four trophy will be on display for future students to see.

“As I walk through the halls of the schools, I get high fives from other teachers,” said Cilley. “People are tracking us and congratulating us, and it feels so good to be a part of that. It was a fantastic first year.”

Along with the depth of talent the team possesses, Cilley has said over the course of the season that everyone supporting one another having their teammates’ backs has helped the team succeed.

“I don’t want anybody to feel like they didn’t work hard and earn every single thing that we achieved here,” said Cilley. “Everybody on the team did so well. We got here because we are a team. We win together, and we lose together. Today we lost together, and that’s okay.”