SAINT PETER, Minn. – The Gustavus men's tennis team wrapped up competition at the ITA Midwest Regional Championships, concluding the weekend with a Gustie vs. Gustie singles final, featuring
Gage Gohl (Jr., Sioux Falls, S.D.) and
Marco Siviero (Sr., Sao Miguel de Oeste, Brazil).
The two Gusties put on an early morning show at the Swanson Tennis Center, capping off an already impressive weekend of tennis with a highly competitive three-set match. Gohl jumped out to the early lead, winning set one, 6-2. Gohl, who won the same championship last fall, used the momentum from a hot start to take the first of three sets. Siviero battled back in set two, determined to provide the very best competition for his teammate. The two put on a display of athleticism, as the second set was decided for the senior Siviero, 7-5. Gohl eventually claimed the win, 6-4 in the final set, but not before Siviero could give him his very best, as the two fought until the very last serve.
"The singles final with Gage and Marco was top-class in every single category. It was the match of the singles tournament. And one of the best, if not the best, singles final I've witnessed at this event," commented Head Coach
Dr. Tommy Valentini '02 following the match. "Both of them played more than well enough to win - and they brought out the best in each other as you hope teammates can do in these matches. Our team got so much better as a result of these guys playing this match today. It was a tough one to see either of them lose given the quality of play and competing. In the end, Gage narrowly got over the line to earn his second title here, but both he and Marco were truly fantastic and are worthy of competing at the ITA Cup national event based on this performance. We are so thankful to have both of them, along with Josh and Mark in doubles advancing to Georgia to represent our team and to help us continue to grow as a team."
Both will advance to the singles competition at the national ITA Cup in Rome, Ga. in a few weeks. The win earns Gohl All-America honors - the fourth of the junior's career, as he reached the status twice last fall at the ITA Midwest Regional Championships (singles and doubles) and once more in the doubles with partner
Tyler Haddorff (Jr., Burnsville), who claimed the national title with Gohl in the spring. Siviero and Gohl will be joined by
Josh Christensen (Sr., Rochester) at the ITA Cup, as he and Marco will compete together in the doubles, as well. A win in the first round would earn Siviero and Christensen All-America honors, which they also claimed in the first round of the 2023 ITA Cup.
After an accomplished weekend of tennis in Saint Peter, Valentini shared his thoughts on the performances of his team and players:
"The guys put together a great team effort all weekend. In every event, we competed extremely well and we're thankful that we came away with some strong results," said Valentini. "To have seven of the eight quarterfinalists and all of the semifinalists in singles, and to have three out of the four doubles semifinalists is a great accomplishment for our group as we remain focused on our team goals. Hats off to Whitewater's doubles pair who played excellent doubles against us in three of their last four rounds. They are worthy winners of the doubles event.
"Marco and Josh played a fantastic final in the doubles - their tactics, energy, resilience, and execution were all there - they just came up a bit short on the scoreboard after a getting past
Taona [Mhwandagara] and
Dom [Knutson] in a semifinal that was high quality and certainly could've gone either way.
"In the singles, Gage was excellent to take out Nelson in the quarters, and from there, our guys all competed so well against each other. Every match was played with great intensity, focus, and quality tennis, but also with incredible sportsmanship.
Rafa Costa and Dom Knutson played brilliantly to make the semifinals where Marco and Gage needed to play great tennis to get through to the final.
"Throughout the tournament our entire team competed at a high level - evidenced by
Odin Fouchier and
Joe Li playing some outstanding and inspiring tennis to make the finals in the B draw doubles. To have them competing so well on Sunday was a thrill for them and our group, and will, like so many of the matches we played this weekend, contribute to us being the team we're capable of being in the spring.
"We also want to thank our athletic trainer, sports information staff, volunteer site monitors, ITA officials, and tournament committee for helping us run this large and exciting event. It's an honor to host at Gustavus, and we could not do it without the help and support from these great people. Overall, we had a very successful ITA regional. Our team grew in so many important ways, and we're thankful to have qualified for the ITA Cup. Most of all, we'll look to use what we experienced and learned over these four days to build trust in our game as a team as we prepare for an exciting and challenging spring season."
The ITA Cup will take place Oct. 10-13 at the Rome Tennis Center in Rome, Ga.
