SAINT PETER, Minn. — The Gustavus men’s tennis team is championship-bound once again, making quick work of Saint John’s, 5-0, to advance to the MIAC Playoff title match.
The returning champions jumped out to a quick 3-0 lead, defeating the Johnnies in all three doubles matches. Nick Aney (Sr., Rochester) and Daniel Fouchier (Sr., Nootdorp, Netherlands) led the way in the No. 1 singles spot, getting a victory of 8-2 to get the Gusties started. From there, it was routine work, as Sourabh Terakanambi (Sr., Apple Valley) and Marco Siviero (So., Sao Miguel de Oeste, Brazil ) put away their team-leading 16th doubles win in the No. 3 spot and Alex Budde (Sr., Menomonee Falls, Wis.) and Gage Gohl (Fy., Sioux Falls, S.D.) closed out the doubles competition with an 8-3 victory.
The Gusties needed only two singles wins to clinch the victory. Budde delivered one, winning in the No. 5 singles by scores of 6-1 and 6-2 for a 4-0 Gustie advantage. Rafael Costa (So., Sao Paulo, Brazil) sealed the deal just seconds later, rolling to two 6-0 victories in the No. 6 spot for the Gusties.
“We’re thankful to come through in the semis against Saint John’s who were coming off a great win in the quarters,” said Head Coach Tommy Valentini. “We did well to execute our game plan in the doubles. In the singles, we stayed present and competed well and Alex and Rafa were able to get us over the line. We look forward to another fun challenge on Saturday and continuing to be a team and making more progress together.”
Gustavus advances to the MIAC Playoff Championship and will host the winner of Carleton and Macalester in Saint Peter on Saturday.