ARDEN HILLS, Minn. – The Bethel University women's tennis team wrapped up their fall practice season with a convincing 8-1 match win over the University of Wisconsin-Stout. The Royals swept all three doubles matches and took five of six singles matches from the Blue Devils. The victory marks the end of Bethel's non-traditional four-week fall season and saw the Royals break in four freshmen in the lineup.

"With a lot of new faces comes a lot of excitement on the team," said Royals coach Drew Fernelius. "The girls worked extremely hard everyday for the past 4 weeks and it paid off on the court with a nice win to end the fall over Stout."

Senior captain's Abby Edin and Amanda Johnson led the way for Bethel with a victory at No. 1 doubles and victories at No. 1 and No. 3 singles. They were victorious by a 8-1 count in doubles and 7-6(7-2), 6-2 for Edin and 6-1, 6-3 for Johnson. Junior Kristen Vivian won handily at No. 2 singles 6-1, 6-3.

"I am really going to be counting on our returners to lead us and they did not disappoint," coach Fernelius explained. "Kristin, Abby and Amanda having all tasted success last year in making the playoffs, have been great examples for the rest of the team this fall."

At No. 2 doubles freshman Kourtney Jakubic and sophomore Larissa Voss won a tight match 8-6. Voss also won a 6-4, 6-0 match at No. 4 singles.

"Probably the biggest surprise this fall has been the improvement of Larissa Voss, a sophomore who didn't see much playing time last year," coach Fernelius said. "She really worked on her game and won easy at 4 singles.  I am super excited with the way she has really improved and shown she deserves a lineup spot."

Freshman Maddy Simpson and Gabie Bierbaum won 8-3 at No. 3 doubles to complete the doubles sweep. Freshman Sarah Wallace fell 3-6, 5-7 at No. 5 singles but fellow freshman Kourtney Jakubic won a hard fought 5-7, 6-1, (10-8) match at No. 6 singles to conclude the night.

"We have many freshmen that we will need to step up if we are going to be competitive this year," said coach Fernelius. "Also on the team winning exhibition matches yesterday included sophomore Rachel Eisenrich, and freshmen Courtney McDonald and Izzy Rich."

Bethel will now turn their attention to off-season workouts in preparation for the spring season. Practices will begin on January 20th and the first match is scheduled for February 1st against St. Scholastica.

"I am counting on them working on getting stronger and fitter this offseason and can't wait for the season and competition to start in February."