MINNEAPOLIS - Bethel traveled to the Baseline Tennis Center on the campus of the University of Minnesota to take on St. Thomas in their third conference matchup of the season. While the Royals made them work hard, the Tommies were tough competitors in their own right and defeated Bethel 9-0. St. Thomas was ranked third in the MIAC preseason standing, but they now hold a number one slot along with Carleton and St. Olaf.

Two of Bethel's doubles teams stayed within striking distance of a win today. Number one and two players Kristin Kishaba (Sr., Eau Claire, Wis.) and LeRoyce Chapman (Sr., Elk River, Minn.) rallied well with their challengers, and at one point during the match were up 5-2. In the end, however, the constant St. Thomas pressure finally won out, and the pair fell, but only after forcing the match into a 9-7 decision.

Number three doubles Krista Nauman (Fr., Buffalo, Minn.) and Stefanie Erlander (So., Excelsior, Minn.) also played well, losing only 8-6.

The Royals had a tougher time in singles play. Kishaba again rallied well with her opponent, but lost 6-7, 2-6, and Heather Blair (Jr., Glenwood, Minn.) lost by the same score.

Bethel women's tennis now looks forward to a bit of a break. Their next match is scheduled to be held on March 16, in Florida when the team takes on Webber International University at 2 p.m.

St. Thomas 9, Bethel University 0
Feb 28, 2009 at Minneapolis, Minn. (Baseline Tennis Center)
Singles competition
1. Alexandra Frank (UST-WOM) def. Kristin Kishaba (BU-WT) 6-0, 6-2
2. Allison Bruflodt (UST-WOM) def. LeRoyce Chapman (BU-WT) 6-1, 6-1
3. Kristen Hughes (UST-WOM) def. Ashley Dohlen (BU-WT) 1-6, 7-6, 10-3
4. Madeline Gail (UST-WOM) def. Heather Blair (BU-WT) 7-6, 6-2
5. Suzanne Brophy (UST-WOM) def. Krista Nauman (BU-WT) 6-0, 7-5
6. Hadley Syverud (UST-WOM) def. Stefanie Erlander (BU-WT) 6-0, 6-1

Doubles competition
1. Alexandra Frank/Allison Bruflodt (UST-WOM) def. Kristin Kishaba/LeRoyce Chapman (BU-WT) 9-7
2. Madeline Gail/Hadley Syverud (UST-WOM) def. Ashley Dohlen/Heather Blair (BU-WT) 8-2
3. Kristen Hughes/Suzanne Brophy (UST-WOM) def. Krista Nauman/Stefanie Erlander (BU-WT) 8-6