Elite 8 Preview: Washington vs. Gustavus Adolphus

Probable Starters:
1. Cutler/Hoeland vs. Bryan/Paukert
2. Watts/Bowman vs. Kauss/Burdakin
3. Stein/Woods vs. Hansen/Tomasek

1. John Watts vs. Andy Bryan
2. Charlie Cutler vs. John Kauss
3. Danny Levy vs. Mike Burdakin
4. Max Woods vs. Charlie Paukert
5. Chris Hoeland vs. Aaron Zenner
6. Isaac Stein vs. Kevin Stickney

Not a whole lot to say about this one besides WashU is the better team. Gustavus only chance in this is to really jump on the Bears in doubles, winning at least 2 of the matches and carrying the momentum in Singles. WashU is just deeper in singles. The matches at 1 and 2 will be close and probably won't be finished, but WashU really should dominate at 3 through 6 and I'd be surprised if they drop any sets. Gustavus has a pretty good shot in doubles, because this is where WashU is vulnerable. I would expect the Gusties to win at 2 doubles and they have to find a way to win at 1 or 3. My guess is that WashU will win at 1 and 3 and go up 2-1. I would then expect quick wins from Woods and 4 and Stein at 6 to make it 4-1. Levy and Hoeland might have a little more trouble, but one of them will be a straight set winner to take the match 5-1 for WashU. It's unfortunate that the first two singles won't get to finish, because Bryan and Watts will certainly be a great match. This should be the least competitive match of the day and look for WashU to move the Final 4 fairly comfortably. It's amazing how different Gustavus is when they aren't playing at home.