Gustavus sophomore Joey MacGibbon has been named MIAC Men’s Tennis Athlete-of-the-Week for his contributions to Gustavus’ MIAC Playoff title this past weekend. The Gusties defeated St. Thomas in the semifinals 5-1 and Carleton in the championship match 5-0, and MacGibbon claimed two victories at No. 3 doubles and one at No. 5 singles.
The Apple Valley, Minn. native started the day by teaming up with Bradley Entwistle at No. 3 doubles for an 8-3 victory over St. Thomas’ Steven Skanse and Mitch Blackey. The win was one of five for the Gusties in a 5-1 victory over the Tommies. In the championship match, MacGibbon and Entwistle defeated Carleton’s Jon Aranda and Dan Vollman in an intense 9-8 tiebreaker to complete the Gustavus doubles sweep. Singles play started soon after and MacGibbon made quick work of Paul Cooper at the No. 5 spot with a 6-2, 6-0 win in the first order of finish in doubles. Soon after, Juan Luis Chu secured the title with a 6-2, 6-1 victory at No. 3.
On the season, MacGibbon is 19-8 (8-0 MIAC) in singles play and is currently on a six-match win streak. In doubles action, the sophomore is 15-5 overall (8-0 MIAC) and 10-2 with Entwistle as a teammate.
The Three Crowns received the MIAC’s automatic bid into the 2012 NCAA Division III Men’s Tennis Championships and will enjoy a first round bye. At the regional tournament, held in Whitewater, Wis., Gustavus will face the winner between UW-Whitewater and Concordia-Wisconsin on Saturday at 2:00 p.m. Sunday’s regional final will be played at 1:00 p.m.