The Gustavus men’s tennis team lost to the University of Redlands 5-4 in a very tight match on Thursday morning. The Gusties suffered two important losses in doubles as Mike Burdakin and John Kauss lost at the #2 position in a tiebreaker 8-9 (7-1 in the tiebreaker) and Nick Hansen and Ben Tomasek lost at the #3 position 7-9. In singles, John Kauss lost a heartbreaker at the #2 position as he fell to Eric Wagar 3-6, 7-6 (4), 6-7 (5). One victory in any of those three matches would have given Gustavus the win. Redlands is ranked #11 in the most recent Division III poll. The Gusties, who are now 18-4 on the season, have lost back-to-back matches for the first time this spring. Gustavus will play NAIA power Azusa Pacific on Friday afternoon to wrap up their spring break trip to Southern California.
Position Univ. of Redlands Gustavus Adolphus College Winner Score
#1 Singles Matt Liebman #2 Andy Bryan Gustavus Adolphus College 4-6,6-3,6-2
#2 Singles Eric Wagar #13 John Kauss Univ. of Redlands 6-3,6-7(4),7-6(5)
#3 Singles Aron Ouye Mike Burdakin Gustavus Adolphus College 7-5,6-3
#4 Singles Michael Reading Charlie Paukert Gustavus Adolphus College 7-6(0),6-1
#5 Singles Chris Trippel Ben Tomasek Univ. of Redlands 6-4,7-5
#6 Singles Jeff Hammond Aaron Zenner Univ. of Redlands 6-2,6-1
#1 Doubles
Eric Wagar Ransom Cook #4 Andy Bryan #4 Charlie Paukert Gustavus Adolphus College 8-5
#2 Doubles Zach Hasenyager Michael Reading #14 Mike Burdakin #14 John Kauss Univ. of Redlands 9-8(1)
#3 Doubles Jeff Hammond Keven Wong Nick Hansen Ben Tomasek Univ. of Redlands 9-7