SAINT PETER, Minn. - The No. 21 Gustavus Adolphus Men's Tennis Team split its team this Friday to take on a pair of MIAC conference matches against the Saint John's University Johnnies on the road and the Bethel University Royals at home. The Gusties were victorious in both, sweeping the Johnnies and Royals 7-0 sweep to open the 2026 season.
Gustavus vs. Saint John's
Against Saint John's, the Gusties started hot, winning two of the three doubles matches to secure a 1-0 lead. Three doubles,
Yash Bahalkar and
Ethan Ellor, finished first after a 6-4 set.
Joseph Li and
Ali Derbani, at two doubles, finished next with a 6-4 win.
On the singles court, the Gusties delivered the three singles wins required to wrap up the dual. First being Bahalkar with an impressive 6-1, 6-0 win at #3 singles.
Deuce Daniel, at #1 singles, followed next, serving up a 6-2, 6-0 win. Only needing one more point,
Quinn Monson, at #2 singles, answered the call with a 6-2, 6-0 win. With the match decided, the Gusties continued to dominate, winning all remaining singles matches:
Ali Derbani 6-2, 6-3;
Owen Skanse 6-2, 6-1; and
Joseph Li 6-2, 6-2.
Gustavus vs. Bethel
The other half of the Gusties battled the Bethel Royals for the first home match of the season. The Gusties started hot, sweeping the doubles.
Luke Fridinger and
Noah Hakim finished first with a decisive 6-1 win.
Dominik Knutson and
Takura Mhwandagara at #2 doubles finished next with a dominate 6-2 performance. Finally, former NCAA National Doubles Champions
Tyler Haddorff and
Gage Gohl closed it out at #1 doubles with a 6-2 win.
After starting up 1-0, the Gusties didn't slow down in the singles.
Noah Hakim at #6 singles swept his opponent 6-1, 6-1 in just over an hour. Takura Mwandagara and
Dominik Knutson finished next, both winning 6-4, 6-1 to clinch the match for the Gusties. With the match decided the Gusties continued to dominate winning the final three matches all in straight sets.
Up Next
The Gusties return to action this Saturday, February 14, as they battle the University of North Dakota at 10:00 a.m. and Morningside University in the evening at 6:00 p.m.
