The Gustavus men’s tennis team defeated the University of Mary Washington 6-3 to advance to the consolation championship round of the Intercollegiate Tennis Association Division III National Indoor Championships at the Swanson Tennis Center. The Gusties grabbed a quick 3-0 lead after doubles, but it was not until Ben Tomasek claimed the point at #5 singles that Gustavus won the match.
The Gusties swept all three doubles matches beginning at the #3 position as Kevin Stickney and Nick Hansen defeated Evan Goff and Bryce Parrish 8-1. The #1 doubles pairing of John Kauss and Mike Burdakin put Gustavus ahead 2-0 after beating Randy Loden and Kaz Murata 8-5. Charlie Paukert and Ben Tomasek trailed 4-1 at #2 doubles before for coming back for a 9-7 win over John James and Jason Dunn.
Mary Washington earned its first point at #2 singles when Randy Loden defeated Charlie Paukert 6-2, 6-4. The Gusties answered right back as John Kauss battled back from being a set down to beat John James 3-6, 6-2, 6-2 at the #1 spot to take a 4-1 lead. However, the Eagles closed the gap at 4-2 after Riley Baver defeated Kevin Stickney 5-7, 7-5, 6-4 in a grueling match that lasted over two hours at #4 singles. Ben Tomasek sealed the match for Gustavus though when he prevailed over Andrew Frisk 6-4, 6-3 at the #5 spot.
After the match was decided, Mike Burdakin erased a one-set deficit to defeat Jason Dunn 4-6, 6-4, 6-1 in #3 singles, while Patrick Clark fell to Bryce Parrish 7-5, 6-2 at #6. With the victory, the Gusties moved on to play UC-Santa Cruz in the consolation championship on Saturday evening.
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