[MIAC Release]

The Bethel men's tennis team turned in a great performance last week to earn its first MIAC win of the 2013 season, which is also the first MIAC men's win for first-year Head Coach Drew Fernelius. Leading the way was senior captain Reggie Ronning (Alexandria, Minn./Jefferson), who scored a straight-sets singles win and helped earn a narrow victory at No. 1 doubles en route to the Royals' big win. For his performance, Ronning was named the MIAC Men's Tennis Athlete-of-the-Week.

"This honor is well deserved," said coach Fernelius. "Reggie had a great week with a couple of great wins. Reggie is a great player and an even better leader and will continue to lead us the last three, and most important, weeks of the season."

Ronning was at his best in Thursday's 7-2 victory over league foe Saint Mary's. Playing in the team's No. 2 singles spot, he was impressive in victory, dropping just five games in a 6-2, 6-3 game. His No. 1 doubles win with teammate Tucker Morris featured much more drama, as the duo pulled off a clutch 9-8 win over the Cardinals' top duo. Ronning improved to 6-5 in singles play this year, and he and Morris are now 8-3 at No. 1 doubles in 2013.

The big victory helped Bethel even its overall record at 5-5, and its first MIAC win helped the team improve to 1-3 in conference play. The Royals are currently in seventh place in the MIAC standings, and in contention for one of the six Playoff spot. Bethel will look for its second-straight league victory this week, as it hosts St. Thomas Friday in Arden Hills at 4 p.m.