ST. PAUL, Minn. - Sometimes it can be hard to search for the positives in an 8-1 loss. But considering it's been nearly 10 years since anyone from Bethel has even won a match against Gustavus - singles or doubles - an 8-1 loss is certainly better than the alternative, which is a 9-0 shutout.

It's hard to know if Kent Nichols (Fr., Milaca, Minn.) realizes what he's done. At least two full generations of Bethel men's tennis players have gone before him and have each fallen where he has succeeded. The Royals #5 singles player earned a hard-fought 7-6 win, followed by a 6-1 win over David Koppel to take the match and to give Bethel it's lone point.

David Torres (Sr., Arden Hills, Minn.) the elder statesman of the team, also played well but came up short in both sets, 6-4, 6-4.

With the loss, Bethel is now 3-2 overall and 2-2 in conference play. Gustauvs improves to 10-3 overall and 4-0 in the MIAC. The Royals now have their sights set on their spring trip to Florida where they are scheduled to take on Webber University at their home on Monday, March 16.

Gustavus Adolphus College 8, Bethel University 1
Mar 07, 2009 at Fred Wells Tennis and Education Center
Singles competition
1. John Kauss (GAC) def. Tom Ronning (BU-MT) 6-1, 6-2
2. Charlie Paukert (GAC) def. David Torres (BU-MT) 6-4, 6-4
3. Mike Burdakin (GAC) def. Joel Cassens (BU-MT) 6-2, 6-0
4. Ben Tomasek (GAC) def. Jordan LeFebvre (BU-MT) 6-3, 6-0
5. Kent Nichols (BU-MT) def. David Koppel (GAC) 7-6 (8-6), 6-1
6. Eric Ice (GAC) def. Michael Kreklau (BU-MT) 6-3, 6-3

Doubles competition
1. Mike Burdakin/John Kauss (GAC) def. Tom Ronning/David Torres (BU-MT) 8-1
2. Charlie Paukert/Ben Tomasek (GAC) def. Joel Cassens/Jordan LeFebvre (BU-MT) 8-3
3. David Koppel/Eric Ice (GAC) def. Kent Nichols/Michael Kreklau (BU-MT) 8-4