The Gonzaga men's tennis team completed its Fall season at the ITA regional competition in Seattle Oct. 21 to Oct. 24.
"These are our best individual standings ever," said head coach Peter MacDonald, referring to the 52-27 record the team now holds—the best in program history.
"We had a lot of guys winning their draws, and we're really happy with our standings," MacDonald said.
Senior Scott Sullivan leads the team in singles play with 11 wins. This makes his third season at Gonzaga with at least 10 wins.
At the ITA regional competition Sullivan nearly clinched the back draw title after turning around from his loss on the first day. His continuous wins kept the team in Seattle through the fourth and final day of the tournament.
"He is the Cinderella story from Puyallup, Wash.," said MacDonald, in reference to Sullivan's come from behind finish.
Sullivan explained that their results from the ITA tournament and overall performance through the Fall has left them excited for the Spring season.
"Ending on a good note keeps us motivated through the winter. In my last three seasons we have never even come close to this," Sullivan said.
He lends their improved performance on the court to their cohesiveness as a team.
"A lot has to do with the new people on the team. We're a lot closer team than in the past. We're all friends and hang out all the time," he said.
The team is now on a two-month break from competitive play. While their tournament play is over, the team will begin dual matches in January. MacDonald has a specific plan to keep the team in shape, but they are also self-motivated to improve through the winter.
"We have eight-hour practice limits each week. And I can only have four players on the court for two hours. So it's up to the guys to continue their growth and development," MacDonald said.
Sophomore Muzeen Ismath is confident the team will do just that.
"Our good team dynamic makes us push each other on the court. Our hard work paid off this season, and it's really motivating," Ismath said.
"We can play against each other as much as we want, as long as it's not scheduled by the coaches," he added.
Sullivan said he plans to play at least four days a week against his teammates.
In addition to training aspirations, the team has a set of spring season goals as well.
"We have a tough schedule, but we are working to have a winning record in the spring," said McDonald. "We play lots of teams ranked in the top 75."
The Bulldogs are not currently nationally ranked, but they are aiming to change that by defeating teams that are ranked.
"We have had a lot of program growth and I know we can compete with the other teams," said Sullivan. "I'd really like to see us with a national ranking. We have had a lot of program growth, and we expect it out of ourselves. I'd put money on it."
The West Coast Conference holds six teams ranked in the top 75, including Pepperdine, which ended last season at 15th in the nation. The Zags will be put to the test in conference play come spring.
"We can definitely take out other teams in the WCC, and I think we can finish in the top half," Sullivan said.
The Bulldogs will resume play in January with a trip to Hawaii.
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