The men’s tennis team battled windy conditions Saturday afternoon, as it took a 7-2 victory over Macalester College and sealed third-place in the regular season conference standings.

Going into the match, coach Terry Peck anticipated a challenge.

“Macalester has one of their all-time best teams and they are fighting for a playoff position,” Peck said.

The Tommies (11-3 overall, 7-2 MIAC) won two of their three games in doubles. Seniors Allen-Michael Muench and Brady Radermacher defeated sophomore Aidan Tirpak and junior Hardt Bergmann of Macalester 8-4. With the doubles score tied 1-1, junior Burke Anderson and sophomore Ben Wait gave up a lead but came out on top, winning 9-7.

St. Thomas junior Tom Runde said the doubles wins could help the team later on.

“I think that’s a nice advantage and good momentum going into singles,” Runda said.

Peck added that Saturday’s matchup was crucial preparation for the MIAC tournament, which begins Wednesday.

“We’ve made it into the playoffs already,” Peck said, “Basically this is some real good practice for us to get ready for the conference tournament where everybody has a chance.”

Additionally, the Tommies won five of six singles matches against the Scots (10-8 overall, 5-4 MIAC).

Muench, Anderson and Wait, along with juniors Scott Wall and Luke Elifson, all won their singles matches for St. Thomas.

Runde said he is proud of his teammates.

“It’s the best team I’ve had … in my three years here,” Runde said.

Looking to the playoffs, Runde said he anticipates “the chance to see how far we can get in the tournament and make a little bit of noise.”

The Tommies will head to Northfield to square off with Carleton in the conference tournament semifinals Friday afternoon.

Emily Sweeney can be contacted at swee4225@stthomas.edu.