Men's Tennis Wins MIAC Playoff Title 5-1 Over Carleton

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SAINT PETER, Minn. – The Gustavus men’s tennis team is going dancing. The Gusties won their 10th consecutive MIAC playoff championship Saturday with a 5-1 victory over Carleton at the Brown Outdoor Courts, advancing to the NCAA Championships for the 33rd time in program history. Only one other Division III program in the country has more appearances at the national tournament.

The No. 3 doubles team of Joe Punnoose (Jr., Bloomington) and Sourabh Terakanambi (So., Apple Valley) gave Gustavus (16-2) and early 1-0 lead with an 8-2 decision. Carleton tied the match at 1-1 with an 8-4 victory at No. 1 doubles, but Daniel Fouchier (So., Nootdorp, Netherlands) and Jack Bergmeyer (So., Lincoln, Neb.) claimed an 8-6 win at No. 2, giving the home team a 2-1 advantage heading into singles.

Oscar Wikström (So., Hunnebostrand, Sweden) won the first singles match 6-1, 6-2 at No. 6, followed by Indraneel Raut (Jr., Oshkosh, Wis.) winning at No. 2 by retirement 6-0, 4-0. The clincher came at No. 5 as Bergmeyer won 6-4, 6-0.

“Today was an incredible effort from our entire group,” Head Coach Tommy Valentini said. “I can’t say enough about how well this team has handled adversity and challenges all year long. Today, everyone rose to the occasion and stepped up beautifully. Sourabh and Joe were electric at No. 3 doubles to give us a huge lift, and Jack and Daniel stayed very poised and positive in the key moments to get us a lead coming out of doubles.

“Heading into the singles we had some momentum, but the guys capitalized on it and played great first sets and were focused and present. Oscar was fantastic stepping back into the lineup at No. 6, and Jack played an excellent match at No. 5. Indraneel really got us going with how he competed at No. 2 – but really everyone played a key role today. I couldn’t be prouder of how our group has stuck together, supported each other, and focused on what is within our control. It was a great all around performance from our team. We’re grateful for the result and the playoff title, excited for the challenges of the NCAA tournament, but most of all for the opportunity to continue to be a team and to keep making progress.”

Singles

1. Nick Aney (Jr., Rochester) (GACM) vs. Leo Vithoontien (CAR) 3-6, 3-3, unfinished

2. Indraneel Raut (GACM) def. Xander Zuczek (CAR) 6-0, 4-0, retired

3. Daniel Fouchier (GACM) vs. Xander Roti (CAR) 6-7, 0-1, unfinished

4. Alex Budde (So., Menomonee Falls, Wis.) (GACM) vs. Yuv Kataria (CAR) 6-5, 1-2, unfinished

5. Jack Bergmeyer (GACM) def. William Walsh (CAR) 6-4, 6-0

6. Oscar Wikstrom (GACM) def. Aniketh Vipparla (CAR) 6-1, 6-2

Doubles

1. Leo Vithoontien/Xander Zuczek (CAR) def. Nick Aney/Alex Budde (GACM) 8-4

2. Daniel Fouchier/Jack Bergmeyer (GACM) def. William Walsh/Yuv Kataria (CAR) 8-6

3. Joseph Punnoose/Sourabh Terakanambi (GACM) def. Aswath Viswanathan/Aniketh Vipparla (CAR) 8-2

Gustavus will find out who, when, and where it will play in the NCAA regional round during Monday’s NCAA selection show. The regional round begins either Thursday or Friday next week.

Men’s Tennis Wins MIAC Playoff Title 5-1 Over Carleton

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