The Gustavus Men’s Tennis team made quite a splash on Saturday, Feb. 27, earning three 9-0 victories over Bethel University, Concordia College-Moorhead, and Morningside College at home in the Swanson Tennis Center.

The first victory over Bethel came off of strong performances by Sophomores Mohanad Alhouni, Tommy Entwistle, and Zach Ekstein, Junior David Hagberg and Senior Andres Saenz.

The win against Morningside introduced more players into the lineup, such as Freshmen Chase Johnson, Patrick Whaling and Alex Senjem, and Sophomores Mason Bultje and Taylor Parr, all who won their respective matches.

The Gusties now hold a record of 8-0 overall and 5-0 in the MIAC, in pursuit of their 28th consecutive MIAC Championship. They expect nothing but excellence again this year.

“Gustavus has a successful tennis team, thus the expectation is winning all of the regional matches and qualifying for the nationals at the end of the season,” Freshman Can-Aras Thierhoff said.

The team has a set of principles that help guide it to success.

“We try to not only work hard individually, but work well as a team, supporting your teammates, motivating them and giving effort at all times. The recovery time is also essential for success so stretching, sleep, and balanced nutrition is important,” Thierhoff said.

With a number of younger athletes on the team, the importance of the upperclassmen becomes more crucial for success.

“Our seniors take the leading position as they have gained the most experience from the team in the past years and they know how the team has to work in order to gain the best. They are good motivators at times where us younger guys feel down and they have great tips to make us feel like winner even if we lose the match,” Thierhoff said.

Although only a freshman. Thierhoff has already learned valuable lessons from the upperclassmen and coaches.

“I’ve learned to try to focus on things that are within your control such as focusing during practice, and making the best of the time. Be happy to be around your friends and enjoy the moment,” he said.

Tommy Valentini is in his eighth year as Head Coach of the Gusties, after previously serving as assistant coach from  2006-2009.

On Saturday, March 5, the men will play three non-conference opponents, with one squad playing at UW-Whitewater at 2 p.m., and another staying home to face Central College at 8:30 a.m., and Martin Luther College at 6:30 p.m.