Men’s Tennis Sweeps Saint John’s To Capture MIAC Championship Posted on April 29th, 2018 by

COLLEGEVILLE, Minn. – After claiming its 300th consecutive MIAC regular season victory last Saturday, the Gustavus men’s tennis team continued another impressive streak Sunday afternoon, defeating Saint John’s 9-0 to claim its 30th-straight conference championship and 52nd overall. The No. 6 Gusties finish the league’s regular season a perfect 9-0 and improve to 21-8 overall.

“To capture the conference title means a lot to our guys,” Head Coach Tommy Valentini said. “We’re grateful to be a part of such a special legacy and to stand on the shoulders of the Gustavus great teams and players that have come before us. This group has represented our tradition and values very well, and we look forward to more time as a team and to continuing to improve as we move into the postseason.”

Sunday’s victory started with a clean sweep of doubles, giving up just seven combined games to the Johnnies. In singles play, the Gusties won in straight sets in four of six spots.

“The guys put forth a gritty effort today,” Valentini said. “The elements were a factor and the guys did well to stick to our plan in doubles. Saint John’s is a tough team and they played some very strong singles. We showed good composure in the key moments and were fortunate to come through.”

Gustavus 9, Saint John’s 0

Singles

  1. Mohanad Alhouni (Sr., Tripoli, Libya) (GACM) def. Tim Larson (SJU) 7-6 (7-4), 6-3
  2. Patrick Whaling (Jr., Manakin Sabot, Va.) (GACM) def. Ryan Meger (SJU) 6-4, 5-7, 10-5
  3. Chase Johnson (Jr., Golden Valley, Minn.) (GACM) def. Thomas Gillach (SJU) 6-4, 6-3
  4. Yassine Derbani (So., Casablanca, Morocco) (GACM) def. Nate Jordre (SJU) 3-6, 7-6 (7-4), 10-6
  5. Tommy Entwistle (Sr., Sioux Falls, S.D.) (GACM) def. Hunter Krebsbach (SJU) 6-0, 6-0
  6. Michael O’Neil (So., Edina, Minn.) (GACM) def. Jonah Punnoose (SJU) 6-0, 6-3

Doubles

  1. Mohanad Alhouni/Patrick Whaling (GACM) def. Thomas Gillach/Tim Larson (SJU) 8-4
  2. Tommy Entwistle/Chase Johnson (GACM) def. Nate Jordre/Jonah Punnoose (SJU) 8-1
  3. Mason Bultje (Sr., Mankato, Minn.)/Zach Ekstein (Sr., Eagan, Minn.) (GACM) def. Jess Hansen/Ryan Meger (SJU) 8-2

As the No. 1 seed entering the MIAC playoffs, the Gusties will host the winner of the No. 4/5 play-in game between Macalester and Concordia at 3:30 p.m. Friday. The conference championship is 1 p.m. Sunday and Gustavus would host if it advances.

 

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