MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – The No. 16 Gustavus men’s tennis team completed a perfect 9-0 season in the MIAC on Sunday, shutting out St. Thomas 9-0 at the Baseline Tennis Center to claim the conference championship outright. The Gusties, now 17-7 overall, enter the MIAC playoffs as the No. 1 seed and will host the winner of Macalester and Bethel at 3:30 p.m. Thursday.
“We put together a solid performance today,” Head Coach Tommy Valentini said. “Joe Punnoose stepped in and partnered Nick Aney today at three doubles and his energy gave us a big lift. Once we got out to the 3-0 lead we stayed in the moment nicely. Lawrence Hiquiana and Xavier Sanga competed very well in the singles stepping in and stepping up for us today. It was a strong team effort. We’re grateful to finish off the conference season with a good effort today, and we look forward to continuing to improve heading into the exciting post season ahead.”
Singles
- Chase Johnson (GACM) def. Nick Vossen (USTMEN) 6-0, 6-0
- Michael O’Neil (GACM) def. Sterling Sibley (USTMEN) 6-3, 6-1
- Nick Aney (GACM) def. Jordan Schneck (USTMEN) 7-5, 6-1
- Indraneel Raut (GACM) def. Eshan Varma (USTMEN) 6-2, 7-5
- Xavier Sanga (GACM) def. Erich Nuss (USTMEN) 6-2, 7-6
- Lawrence Hiquiana (GACM) def. Zach LeVene (USTMEN) 6-1, 6-3
Doubles
- Patrick Whaling/Chase Johnson (GACM) def. Nick Vossen/Erich Nuss (USTMEN) 8-2
- Michael O’Neil/Xavier Sanga (GACM) def. Zach LeVene/Jordan Schneck (USTMEN) 8-3
- Nick Aney/Joseph Punnoose (GACM) def. Sterling Sibley/Eshan Varma (USTMEN) 8-1
Gustavus has now won 313 consecutive MIAC regular season matches, a streak dating back to April 11, 1986.
So impressive — an unbelievable (tradition) accomplishment. It is all about setting and than being the best example. It has LIFE meaning. It translates into a unique form of success. The Life of each player who shared the moment will be the ultimate judge. Leadereship. And THAT is what Wilk was all about. Congratulations to the team, the team effort and to it’s coach. Way to be Tommy!