Zachary Tlusty-
In a matchup of unbeaten MIAC men’s tennis teams, No. 13 Gustavus came out victorious 8-1 against Carleton on Saturday at the Swanson Tennis Center. The Gusties improve to 18-7 overall and 7-0 in the MIAC, while the Knights drop to 12-5 overall and 7-1 in the league.
Gustavus, led by the stellar performance of 5th-year Jack Bergmeyer and Sophomore Tyler Haddorff, started the match with a decisive 8-2 win at No. 3 doubles. The Juniors Marco Siviero and Josh Christensen also played a crucial role, securing a win at No. 1. Carleton managed to claim No. 2 doubles 8-6. With their unwavering determination in singles play, the Gusties won all six matches in straight sets.
“The guys put together a strong team effort today. Carleton played some tough doubles, especially at the one and two spots. We got a huge lift out of the gates from Jack and Tyler at number three, and Marco and Josh showed good poise to get us the 2-1 lead. From there, we competed very well in the singles. We grabbed the momentum early and handled the close moments very well. Everyone played their roles well today, and we’re thankful for the result.
We’re looking forward to getting rested and returning to our preparation and progress this week and to an exciting end to the regular season.” Head Coach Tommy Valentini said
The men’s team will play this Saturday when it hosts Macalester and St. Scholastica to close the regular season.
The women played three matches in the past week and went 2-1, improving their record to 12-10 on the season and 6-1 in the MIAC.
The team dropped its first conference match of the season, falling 8-1 to No. 22 Carleton at the Swanson Tennis Center. Carleton started the matchup of previously unbeaten MIAC teams with a clean sweep in doubles. In singles play, Sophomore Kaya De Bruijn claimed the only point for the Gusties, winning 7-6, 1-6, 10-6 at No. 3. The other five singles matches were won in straight sets by the Knights.
The next match got the women back on the winning track with a decisive 8-1 victory at Saint Benedict. The Gusties improve to 11-10 overall and 5-1 in the MIAC.
Gustavus started the day with 8-2 wins at Nos. 2 and 3 doubles and dropped its only point of the day at No. 1 doubles. In singles play, the top two spots went to third set breakers where Sophomore Molly Austin won 6-2, 6-7, 10-5 at No. 1, and Sophomore Allison Szalay won 6-7, 7-6, 10-8 at No. 2. The final four singles were claimed in straight sets without allowing more than three points in any set.
“The women competed very well today,” proud of the step forward we made as a team,” Head Coach Jon Carlson said.
The Gusties opened their third match with a 2-1 lead after the doubles, getting wins at No. 1 and No. 3. Both pairs of Kaya De Bruijn/Molly Austin and Alli Laux/Pavla Yakimova won 8-4 in doubles play, while St. Olaf picked up its only point of the day in the No. 2 doubles, winning 8-7 over Szalay and Freshman Bethany Smith.
The Gusties dominated in the singles, winning all six in straight sets. Szalay and Ella De Young were impressive at No. 2 and No. 6 singles, respectively, both holding the Oles to just two points in their victories. Szalay won 6-2, 6-0, while De Young went 6-0, 6-2. Molly Austin clinched the match with a 6-3, 6-3 win at No. 1 singles.
The Gusties will close out their regular season this weekend, facing Macalester and St. Scholastica on Saturday before hosting No. 31 Bethel on Sunday at noon.