SAINT PETER, Minn. - For the 17th time in program history, Gustavus men's tennis is champion of the MIAC playoffs after a 4-0 win over Carleton on Saturday. The Gusties, ranked No. 31 in the latest ITA Division III rankings, improve to 19-11 overall and advance to the NCAA tournament for the 37th time, marking the third most appearances in Division III men's tennis history.
Gustavus will find out who, when, and where it will play in the NCAA regional round during the selection show Monday.
Marco Siviero and
Dominik Knutson started doubles action with a 6-2 victory at No. 2, but Carleton's top duo upset sixth-ranked
Gage Gohl and
Tyler Haddorff 7-5, placing all eyes on court three.
Taona Mhwandagara and
Josh Christensen came through and sealed the doubles point with a 6-4 win at No. 3.
Knutson claimed the first singles point after a dominant second set, winning 6-4, 6-0 for his team-leading 19th singles victory of the season. Gohl put the Gusties up 3-0 at No. 1 with a 6-1, 6-2 victory, and Haddorff clinched the championship with a 6-4, 6-0 win at No. 5, and now owns the highest singles win percentage on the team with a 15-3 record.
"The guys were fantastic today," said head coach
Dr. Tommy Valentini. "Marco and Dom got us going with great energy and execution at number two doubles and Josh and Taona showed great poise and trust to break and hold to finish their doubles match and secure the doubles point for us. That key moment provided us with some great momentum heading into the singles. The entire team made a great push from there. We had great support and belief from our guys on the sidelines, and the guys on the court were determined and confident to get all six first sets in the singles. Dom and Gage were both excellent from start to finish to score for us to put us in a winning position, and Tyler stepped up as he has been doing all year to get us over the line.
"We're so grateful for not only the regular season title, but to come through in the playoffs. This group has been beautifully connected all year long, and they were tremendous today - both in terms of the results and in how they stuck together and lived out our most important values. We're grateful for the championship, for all of the support we received along the way, and we're looking forward to the exciting opportunities that lie ahead in the NCAA tournament."
