SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – The Gustavus Adolphus College men’s tennis team began its season on a high note, defeating Division II Augustana University 9-0 in its season opener on Saturday morning.
“Today was a really good start for our guys,” said Coach Tommy Valentini. “We’ve had a couple of great weeks of practice, so it was nice to get out and see the guys get rewarded for that in competition. Even with a few new doubles combos, the doubles teams got the ball rolling nicely.”
Andres Saenz (Jr., Cancun, Mexico), Zach Ekstein (So., Eagan, Minn.), Mitch Elofson (Sr., St. Peter, Minn.), Tommy Entwistle (So., Sioux Falls, S.D.), Gabe Steinwand (So., Moorhead, Minn.), and David Hagberg (Jr., Eden Prairie, Minn.) each won singles and doubles matches for the Gusties. Elofson and Hagberg had the most convincing win of the day in doubles, winning 8-1 at the No. 3 spot, while Entwistle rolled to a 6-1, 6-1 victory at No. 4 singles.
“In singles, each of the guys executed their individual game plans very well,” said Valentini. “We’re looking forward to getting back to practice on Monday to keep improving and moving forward.”
Gustavus is back in action next Saturday, as it hosts UW-Eau Claire at 8:30 a.m. and sends a separate squad to Sartell, Minn. for a 4:30 p.m. match with Saint John’s.