By Adam Reed

Oct. 7, 2015

Seniors Michael Treis and Jake Humphreys capped off an impressive weekend at the USTA/ITA Midwest Regionals in St. Peter, Minnesota this weekend, winning the doubles title in dramatic fashion, taking the final set by a score of 12-10.

After rolling into the championship round relatively unchallenged, the pair found themselves squared off against the No. 2-seeded team of Andres Saenz and Mohand Alhouni from the hosting Gustavus Adolphus College (GAC). The Warhawks took the first set 7-5, but dropped the second 6-3, sending the match to a winner-take-all tiebreaker.

The tiebreaker did not start so well for the Warhawks, finding themselves down 6-3 early, but Treis and Humphreys refused to go away, battling back with five straight points to reclaim the lead and the momentum at 8-6.

“It was just a real battle,” head coach Frank Barnes said after the match. “Both teams from 8-6 on were just coming up with huge points and really going after it.”

And battle they did, as Treis came up with a pair of huge serves down the stretch to help push them over the top. With the set tied at 10, Treis remained aggressive at the urging of his partner and was able to set up match point at 11-10.

“It’s just being aggressive at the right moment and believing in the shot,” Treis said.

Humphreys was able to come up with a return of a well-placed drop shot to put the victory on ice for the Warhawks.

“Jake just went for it all, and came up with an amazing shot on the run,” Barnes said. “It exemplifies both their personalities. Michael likes to go big when it’s time, and Jake’s just going to run down everything as hard as he can.”

It was a special moment for both players, who not only won the regional title, but also earned honors as All-Americans. For Michael Treis, it was the realization of a long time personal goal.

“I fought so hard to try and get back,” Treis said. “Especially to get that win over Gustavus (Adolphus College) in their house, it meant the world to me…one of the best moments in my entire life.”

Humphreys echoed Treis on his accomplishment.

“He really, really wanted it,” Humphreys said of his partner. “I’m glad I could help him get there…we’re two pretty tight friends, to be there with him and experience that was something else.”

“Jake has been here before…Michael Treis, this was his first chance at being an All-American,” Barnes said. “That was one of his goals, and it’s great to see him accomplish that, he was really proud of his efforts.”

Barnes said Treis and Humphreys have set a high standard for the younger members of the team to emulate, and they have a bright future ahead of them if they follow their example.

“For the new guys to see that, is great for development and for them setting goals for where they want to be by spring time, and we had a lot of really good performances,” Barnes said. “For the young guys to watch that, watch their team mates do well, it’s great, cause they’re going to know what to expect to be Warhawks for the next four years.”

With three doubles teams advancing to the round of 16, five advancing to that round in singles, and Humphreys making it all the way to the semifinals before losing to the No. 4 seed Brady Anderson of Coe College (Iowa), the younger Warhawk players are already off to a good start.

With the regional doubles title under their belt, the Warhawks will travel to Sumter, South Carolina, to compete in the national tournament on Oct. 15-Oct. 18.

Humphreys is looking forward to the challenge.

“I think mentally if we can get on that same page that we were at today we’re going to be in good shape.”