ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Bethel University women's tennis team took on a talented St. Catherine's University squad Friday night and fell by a score of 2-7. The Royals were victorious at No. 5 and No. 6 singles but were handily defeated in all three doubles and the top three singles spots. St. Kate's improved to 4-0 on the season and has not lost a single doubles match on the year. The Royals fell to 1-3 on the season and 0-2 in the MIAC.

“We ran into a really talented opponent and probably the best individual player we have seen all year,” said Royals head coach Drew Fernelius. “They are really loaded at the top and were just too much for us there. I am happy with the way the girls competed and we are doing our best to fight on and hope things will turn our way shortly.”

Kayla Wheeler, the Royals No. 5 singles player, improved to 4-0 on the season with a 1-6, 6-3, 11-9 victory. Amanda Johnson at No. 6 singles, like Wheeler, dropped the opening set but came back to get a victory 2-6, 6-0, 10-8. At No. 4 singles Kristin Vivian lost a very close match 3-6, 6-4 (10-5), 10-5. The Wildcats top three singles players all won in straight sets with St. Kate's No. 1 singles player, Victoria Bravo, defeating Lisa Scheevel 6-1, 6-3. In No. 1 doubles Bravo teamed with SCU's No. 4 singles player, Kylie Ketcho, to defeat Scheevel and Abby Edin 8-2. Steph Brown/Kristin Vivian were defeated 8-0 and Abby Kreklau/Kayla Wheeler were defeated 8-1 in the other two doubles matches.

The Royals will look to get back in the win column Thursday when they host Saint Mary's University at the Lakeville Lifetime Fitness at 7 p.m. Bethel will then take on the pre-season MIAC favorite Carleton College Knights on Saturday.