SAINT PETER, Minn. – The Gustavus men’s tennis team blanked Bethel 5-0 Friday in a MIAC playoff semifinal match at the Brown Outdoor Courts. The Gusties, now 22-10 overall, advance to the MIAC playoff championship on Saturday where they will host the winner of Carleton vs. Macalester at 3:00 p.m..
“The guys played a solid match today,” said Head Coach Tommy Valentini. “We executed well in the doubles early on. Once we got out to the 3-0 lead, it was important to stay in the preset and not get ahead of ourselves. Josh and Jack were fantastic to get our 4th and 5th points. We’re thankful for a playoff win and we’ll look to recover and to be ready to enjoy another exciting challenge tomorrow.”
Taking advantage of the warmest home temps they’ve seen all season, the Gusties started the afternoon with a quick 8-1 win from the team of Drew Elofson (Sr., Saint Peter) and Marco Siviero (Fy., Sao Miguel de Oeste, Brazil). Daniel Fouchier (Nootdorp, Netherlands) and Sourabh Terakanambi (Jr., Apple Valley) beat their opponents 8-4 as did Nick Aney (Sr., Rochester) and Alex Budde (Jr., Menomonee Falls, Wis.) in the top doubles spot.
Jack Bergmeyer (Lincoln, Neb.) was the first singles finisher with a decisive 6-0, 6-0 win followed by Christensen who also shutout his Royals opponent.
Singles
| 1. Indraneel Raut (GACM) vs. Erik Beckers (BU) 6-2, 1-0, unfinished |
| 2. Nick Aney (GACM) vs. Jason Reilly (BU) 6-4, unfinished |
| 3. Alex Budde (GACM) vs. Jacob Lukkarila (BU) 6-2, 4-1, unfinished |
| 4. Marco Siviero (GACM) vs. Luke Wyly (BU) 6-2, 5-0, unfinished |
| 5. Josh Christensen (GACM) def. Steven Benoy (BU) 6-0, 6-0 |
| 6. Jack Bergmeyer (GACM) def. Brett Eliason (BU) 6-0, 6-0 |
Doubles
| 1. Nick Aney/Alex Budde (GACM) def. Erik Beckers/Jason Reilly (BU) 8-4 |
| 2. Daniel Fouchier/Sourabh Terakanambi (GACM) def. Jacob Lukkarila/Luke Wyly (BU) 8-4 |
| 3. Drew Elofson/Marco Siviero (GACM) def. Steven Benoy/Andrew Holmes (BU) 8-1 |