Results

DULUTH, Minn. – The Bethel University men's tennis team was defeated in their season opener 7-2 by the College of St. Scholastica Friday afternoon. The play of Tucker Morris was a highlight for the Royals as he was victorious in both of his matches against high quality opponents from the 17 time Upper Midwest Athletic Conference (UMAC) champion Saints.
 
“I thought overall we competed well against a quality team that has a lot of depth,” said first year Royals head coach Drew Fernelius.
 
After Morris and Reggie Ronning won the opening doubles match 8-6 the Royals tandem of Steve Schull and David Leafblad lost a tight match at No. 2 doubles and the Royals seemed to lose steam after that. Morris's win at No. 1 singles was the only other victory for Bethel with none of the other matches going past two sets. Morris won his set against the Saints top player, a freshman from England, 6-2, 4-6, 1-0 (10-8).
 
“Tucker was certainly the highlight but we need to work on our transition from doubles to singles play,” Fernelius said. “We will work this week to get better and get after it next Friday.”
 
The Royals will take on NCAA DII opponent St. Cloud State, who was also defeated 7-2 by St. Scholastica, next Friday in St. Cloud, Minn.