ST. CLOUD, Minn. – The Bethel University men's tennis team took on one of the MIAC's top contenders this season on Sunday afternoon in Saint John's University, and were defeated 2-7. Reggie Ronning was victorious for the Royals at No. 2 singles and teamed with Tucker Morris at No. 1 doubles and recorded the Royals other victory. Ronning and Morris remained undefeated at No. 1 doubles this season but the Royals fell to 0-3 as a team.

“We were really close at the top, but they were stronger at the bottom of the lineup,” Royals head coach Drew Fernelius said. “We had a couple of good wins but if we are going to win team matches we are going to need to get more production from No. 2 and No. 3 doubles.”

While Morris and Reggie Ronning continued their solid play at No. 1 doubles in a 8-4 win, the No. 2 doubles team of David Leafblad and Steve Schull lost a close match 8-6. Kirby Ronning/Brett Lizotte were defeated 8-5 at No. 3 doubles.

In singles play the Royals No. 1 player, Tucker Morris gave a great effort and played a strong match but fell to Saint John's No. 1, Fabricio Moncada 6-4, 7-5. Moncada was the runner-up at the USTA/ITA Midwest Championships in the fall. Ronning won his match at No. 2 singles in straight sets 7-5, 7-5. Bethel's Steve Schull dropped a marathon match at No. 3 singles that lasted three hours, 7-6 (7-3), 3-6, 10-8. The Royals No. 4-6 singles players, Kirby Ronning, Leafblad and Lizotte were unable to win a set in their matches.

Bethel will take on Carleton College next Saturday at the Lakeville Lifetime Fitness at 10:30 a.m. The Knights were picked to finish second in the MIAC pre-season poll.