ARDEN HILLS, Minn. - The Bethel University men's tennis team began their season today by serving up an 8-1 over the visiting St. Scholastica Saints at the Sports and Recreation Center (SRC) on campus.

The Royals lost just one senior from last year's playoff team and have been eager to return to the court in 2009. Tom Ronning (Jr., Alexandria, Minn.), David Torres (Sr., Arden Hills, Minn.), Jordan LeFebvre (Jr., Roseville, Minn.), newcomer Kent Nichols (Fr., Milaca, Minn.), and Jordan McIver (Jr., Alexandria, Minn.) delivered wins in singles play, while the Royals swept doubles play.

St. Scholastica managed just one win in singles play by Jacob Englestad.

Bethel is now 1-0 overall, while St. Scholastica drops to 1-3 on its season. The Royals are scheduled to face perennial MIAC contenders Carleton on Wednesday, Feb. 25, for their first conference match. The match is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. at the Lifetime Fitness center in Lakeville, Minn.

Results:
Singles competition
1. Tom Ronning (BU-MT) def. Dillon Sterle (CSS-MT) 7-5, 6-1
2. David Torres (BU-MT) def. Brendan Anderson (CSS-MT) 6-3, 6-4
3. Jacob Englestad (CSS-MT) def. Joel Cassens (BU-MT) 6-4, 6-2
4. Jordan LeFebvre (BU-MT) def. Brian Lindberg (CSS-MT) 6-1, 6-1
5. Kent Nichols (BU-MT) def. Kevin Hilbert (CSS-MT) 6-1, 6-4
6. Jordan McIver (BU-MT) def. Joe Vidmar (CSS-MT) 6-2, 6-0

Doubles competition
1. Tom Ronning/David Torres (BU-MT) def. Brendan Anderson/Tucker Combs (CSS-MT) 8-3
2. Joel Cassens/Jordan LeFebvre (BU-MT) def. Dillon Sterle/Tim Dean (CSS-MT) 8-5
3. Kent Nichols/Michael Kreklau (BU-MT) def. Jacob Englestad/Cody Bottom (CSS-MT) 8-4