ST. PETER, Minn. – The Gustavus men’s tennis team advanced to the MIAC playoff championship Friday with a clean 9-0 sweep over Macalester at the Brown Outdoor Tennis Center. The No. 6-ranked Gusties didn’t surrender more than four games in each of the doubles matches and won in straight sets in all six singles. The victory marks Head Coach Tommy Valentini’s 200th career win in his ninth season at the helm. Valentini is the second winningest coach in Gustavus tennis history behind legendary coach Steve Wilkinson, who finished his 39-year coaching career 929-279.
“The guys did well in the tough moments today,” Valentini said. “Getting the lead in the doubles was a big lift and from there we showed good poise in the singles. Mac is a tough team that had a great season. We’re grateful to come through today and extend the postseason, and we look forward to enjoying the challenges that come on Sunday.”
Gustavus (22-8) will host the MIAC playoff title match at 1 p.m. Sunday against Carleton, who defeated Saint John’s 8-1. The winner receives the MIAC’s automatic berth into the NCAA Championships.
Singles
- Mohanad Alhouni (Sr., Tripoli, Libya) (GACM) def. Sam Hochberger (MAC) 6-4, 6-3
- Zach Ekstein (Sr., Eagan, Minn.) (GACM) def. Josh Doyle (MAC) 6-1, 6-2
- Patrick Whaling (Jr., Manakin Sabot, Va.) (GACM) def. Aidan Tirpack (MAC) 6-1, 6-0
- Chase Johnson (Jr., Golden Valley, Minn.) (GACM) def. Ben White (MAC) 6-0, 6-0
- Yassine Derbani (So., Casablanca, Morocco) (GACM) def. Matthew Yang (MAC) 6-3, 6-3
- Michael O’Neil (So., Edina, Minn.) (GACM) def. Peter Willenborg (MAC) 6-1, 6-1
Doubles
- Mohanad Alhouni/Patrick Whaling (GACM) def. Sam Hochberger/Josh Doyle (MAC) 8-4
- Tommy Entwistle (Sr., Sioux Falls, S.D.)/Chase Johnson (GACM) def. Ben White/Aidan Tirpack (MAC) 8-4
- Zach Ekstein/Mason Bultje (Sr., Mankato, Minn.) (GACM) def. Ben Wilson/Matthew Yang (MAC) 8-3