SAINT PETER, Minn. – The No. 21 nationally ranked Gustavus Adolphus College men's tennis team faced the University of North Dakota Fighting Hawks (NCAA Division I) and the Morningside University Mustangs (NAIA) on Saturday at the Swanson Tennis Center. The Gusties fell 5-2 to the Fighting Hawks in the morning but took down the Mustangs 4-3 in the evening to split the matches.
Gustavus vs. North Dakota
The Gusties came out strong in doubles, and
Gage Gohl and
Tyler Haddorff maintained a high level throughout the match, winning 6-2 on Court 1. A few moments later,
Dominik Knutson and
Takura Mhwandagara secured the doubles point with a 6-4 win on Court 2.
In singles play, North Dakota won in straight sets at #2, #4, and #6 singles, giving them a 3-1 lead with matches still being played on the remaining 3 courts. The only singles win for the Gusties was delivered by
Luke Fridinger at #5 singles with a 6-3, 6-4 win. The Fighting Hawks clinched their victory with a win at #1 singles and eventually added another point with a win at #3 singles.
Gustavus vs. Morningside
In doubles play,
Noah Hakim and
Luke Fridinger won at #3 doubles, getting the Gusties one match away from clinching the doubles point. Morningside came out on top in both #1 and #2 doubles, earning the doubles point.
In singles,
Noah Hakim got the first point of the day for the Gusties with a 6-4, 1-0 ret. Win at #1 singles. Moments after, Morningside got in the lead with a win at #3 singles.
The Gusties kept battling, which led to success on multiple courts. While three courts were in a third set match tiebreaker at the same time, Joe Li evened up the match score with a 7-5, 2-6, 10-7 win at #5 singles. Morningside quickly responded with a win at #6 singles. Facing match points,
Owen Skanse showed great composure and won 3-6, 6-3, 11-9.
The Gusties, full of adrenaline and excitement with the win from Skanse, focused all their eyes on the deciding match on Court 2.
Quinn Monson came back from trailing in both sets and decided the dual match with a straight-sets 7-6, 6-4 win.
Up Next
The Gusties face Denison in the opening round of the ITA Indoor Championship on Friday, February 20th at 7:00 p.m. at the Swanson Tennis Center.
