SAINT PETER, Minn. – The Gustavus Adolphus College men's tennis team hosted the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) Midwest Regional Championship this past weekend, concluding with the championship matches on Monday. The Gusties won both the singles and the doubles championships to cap off an incredibly successful weekend for the program.
 
The singles championship saw two Gusties face off as Gage Gohl and Dominik Knutson battled for the title. Goel won the match 6-1, 6-3 to secure his third ITA singles title in his collegiate career as well as All-American honors.
 
"In the singles, Gage and Dominik played a fantastic final," said Gustavus head coach Dr. Tommy Valentini. "They both had outstanding tournaments from start to finish - neither one dropped a set on their path to the final, and they both showed great poise all the way through. 
 
"In the final, Gage played a near perfect first set coming out of the gates. In the second set, Dom competed with great maturity to make some tactical adjustments and to stay composed and calm. He raised his level and had a number of looks at it in the second set, but Gage answered all the tough questions to come out with his third consecutive ITA Regional Singles Title. He was poised, courageous, and so solid in the big moments. He enters some elite company of players who have won this event three times in singles, and in becoming a three-time singles All-American.

"We couldn't be more grateful, but most of all, we're so grateful for how both of these guys competed with tremendous effort and outstanding tennis, but with even greater sportsmanship. It was a joy to be a part of this one, and they made our entire program and family so proud with how hard they played, but with how they cared for each other in the process. They will both look to build on this effort and gain the valuable experience of competing with the nation's best in Rome - which will give our team an opportunity to take another big step forward."
 
The doubles championship saw Gage team up with Tyler Haddorff to battle the Carleton duo of Jack Rivkin and Akshay Garapati. Gage and Haddorff cruised to a 6-0 first set victory, fell 4-6 in the second set, and then triumphed with a 10-7 tiebreaker victory to secure their second ITA regional championship.
 
"In the doubles, Tyler and Gage came out flying and were a buzzsaw off the hop," said Valentini. "They got to their game right away and embraced the moment with great energy. They were nearly flawless in the first set. In the second set, Carleton raised their level significantly - full marks to them for not giving in, and regrouping for the second.
 
"The amount of intense tennis Gage and Tyler played all weekend in singles and doubles seemed to catch up to them midway through the second set, but they showed so much trust in themselves and each other, and in our approach, down the stretch. They embraced the challenge, stayed calm and present, and played a solid tiebreak in the third set to earn this title - with a big lift from their teammates and our great fans and family. The end of the match was a great challenge for this duo to face, and we're thankful for the result - but most of all for how they handled the moment. 
 
"This is their second title in this prestigious event, but this one was special for so many reasons. They're one of the best doubles teams to ever wear the Three Crowns, and today they enjoyed another fun moment on their journey. We're grateful they're All-Americans, and we're thrilled for the fun challenges they'll face in Rome."
 
Gage, Haddorff, and Knutson will next compete at the ITA Cup which will take place in Rome, Georgia at the Rome Tennis Center starting Thursday, October 16 and running until Sunday, October 19.
 
"Overall, this was an incredibly successful ITA tournament for our entire group," said Valentini. "Our young guys grew up in so many ways and our team made some great strides in terms of results, but more importantly with how we competed and took care of each other. We're looking forward to some rest and some recovery before we prepare for and embrace the ITA Cup, and most of all to build on this effort as we head into our spring season."