ST. JOSEPH, Minn. – It was a challenging competition for the Royals today, who traveled all the way to Saint Benedict for a 5 p.m. match. At times, certain players seemed to be nearing a winning rhythm, but ultimately the team fell to the Blazers 8-1.

While Bethel didn't have much luck in the doubles department, the duos were far from scorched. Both number one doubles Kristin Kishaba (Sr., Eau Claire, Wis.) and LeRoyce Chapman (Sr., Elk River, Minn.) and number three doubles Krista Nauman (Fr., Buffalo, Minn.) and Stefanie Erlander (So., Excelsior, Minn.) lost their matches in close 8-6 decisions.

Singles was much the same story for the Royals – though one player did come out on the winning end of her match. Ashley Dohlen (Jr., Morris, Minn.) became the only Bethel player to defeat her opponent when she did so, 0-6, 7-5, 10-6. The next closest Royal to victory was Chapman, who lost 6-1, 6-3 playing the number two spot.

With the loss, Bethel drops to 1-12 overall and 0-8 in the conference. Saint Benedict sits at 4-4 in the MIAC and 12-8 overall – good enough for a sixth place standing. The Royals continue to look forward, however, and expect a positive outcome in their next scheduled match – Saturday at 12:30 p.m. when they take on Concordia College in Moorhead, Minn.

RESULTS