Following another full day of tennis at the USTA/ITA Midwest Regional held on the campus of Gustavus Adolphus College, Championship Sunday is set.
Amrik Donkena is the only Gustie sill alive in the singles bracket. Donkena defeated Victor Khristenko of Coe 6-3, 6-2 in the round of 16 before topping Byron Balkin of UW-Whitewater 2-6, 7-6, 6-4 to move on to the final four. Balkin defeated Tyler Johnson 6-1, 4-6, 6-3 to move on to the quarterfinals. Amrik will take on St. Thomas’ Brian McCarthy tomorrow at 9:00 a.m.
Mya Smith-Dennis defeated Ramesh Karki of Luther 6-0, 6-3 before being bounced by Fabricio Moncada of Saint John’s in the quarterfinals 6-2, 6-4.
The clock struck midnight for Grant Leisner in his opening match of the second day. “Granbo” fell to Hamline’s David Croonquist 6-2, 6-2.
Donkena and Smith-Dennis won two matches in the second day to advance to the championship in doubles play. The pair will face Curtis Newman and Noah Sprinkel of Coe for the title at 2:00 p.m.
Tommy V & Steve W, Congrats to you both for another fine job of coaching and running this tourney!!
Also Congrats to Amrik and Mya on their terrific play through out the tourney. Having watched Amrik now for three years he has really matured as a young man and as a very competitive player. Your influence on him in both these areas is evident to me and I wish you the BEST in the next tournament. Go Gusties!! Tom S.