Sartell, Minn. – Bethel University's men's tennis team took on Division II St. Cloud State University Friday evening in Sartell, Minn., but only managed to capture two matches in the 7-2 defeat. Tucker Morris (Jr., Arden Hills, Minn.) played exceptionally against the Huskies opponents, as Morris was the only Royal that did not taste defeat.
 
Morris started the singles competition with a grueling 7-6, 6-1 win over the SCSU No. 1 competitor Matt Sturgeon. The other five BU singles competitors were defeated in two sets. Kent Nichols (Sr., Zimmerman, Minn.) was defeated 6-2, 6-0 at the No. 2 spot, while Reggie Ronning (Jr., Alexandria, Minn.) managed a 6-3, 6-2 loss to the Huskies No. 3 player Joao Orsi.

Bryce Johnson (Sr., Blaine, Minn.) nearly sent his match to three sets after losing 6-0 in the first, but couldn't complete the second set victory and fell 6-4. Steven Schull (So., Eagan, Minn.) competed in one of the most exciting sets of the day, as Schull came the closest to a singles victory other than Morris. Both Schull's sets went into extras, however, the St. Cloud State No. 5 competitor Jeremy Thompson won 7-6, 7-5. Kirby Ronning (So., Blaine Minn.) competed as the No. 6 and was outmatched 6-3, 6-0.
 
In the doubles competition Kent Nichols and Reggie Ronning were handed an 8-3 loss in the No. 1 spot. The Royals achieved success in the No. 2 doubles competition, though, as Schull and Morris captured an 8-2 romp. For Morris, it was his second victory of the evening and Schull was rewarded for his exceptional fight in his singles matchup. Bryce Johnson and Kirby Ronning fell 8-1 in the No. 3 doubles match.
 
Bethel falls to 0-2 on the season, but begins its conference season next week against Carleton College at home on Saturday, March 3 in the Sports and Recreation Center at Bethel University. The Royals will take on Saint Mary's University in the final meet before heading to Orlando, Florida for its annual spring break trip.