ST. PETER, Minn. - The Bethel Royals entered the MIAC playoffs having won their last five matches against conference opponents. However, that streak was snapped today as the St. Thomas Tommies defeated the Royals in a hard-fought 5-4 match, bumping Bethel out of the postseason.

The Royals knew they'd be in for a tough match right from the beginning. While Tom Ronning (Jr., Alexandria, Minn.) and Kent Nichols (Fr., Milaca, Minn.) were able to win in doubles 9-7, the other two pairs were not as fortunate. Joel Cassens (Jr., Owatonna, Minn.) and Jordan LeFebvre (Jr., Roseville, Minn.) forced a tiebreaker, but ultimately fell 9-8.

In singles, Ronning won 6-1, 6-1, but the only two other winners were Cassens and LeFebvre. Bethel's lone senior, David Torres (Arden Hills, Minn.) lost the opening set 6-4, but came back to win 6-1, forcing a tiebreaker set. Torres came up just short in a 13-11 decision in the tiebreaker, thus losing the set. Nichols also forced a tiebreaker, but came up on the short end 3-6, 6-2, 9-11.

The loss draws Bethel's season to a close somewhat prematurely compared to the previous two seasons when the Royals have advanced to the second round of the MIAC playoffs. Bethel finishes the 2009 campaign with a 10-6 overall record and 7-2 in conference play.