Results

ARDEN HILLS, Minn. – The Bethel University men's tennis team opened up their outdoor season with a big 7-2 win over MIAC opponent Saint Mary's, on a beautiful, spring afternoon at the Ona Orth Athletic Complex tennis courts. The Royals (5-7, 1-3 MIAC) swept the doubles matches and went on to win four of the six singles matches over the Cardinals (12-5, 1-4 MIAC).

“We are really fired up for our first MIAC win against a team that was picked ahead of us,” Royals head coach Drew Fernelius said. “The doubles matches were the key as our No. 1 and No. 2 doubles teams pulled out come from behind wins right at the end and we kept the momentum rolling right into the singles matches.”

Tucker Morris and Reggie Ronning won their No. 1 doubles match 9-8 (7-4) and Kirby Ronning and Luke Palmquist won 9-7 in come from behind fashion at No. 2 doubles. Brett Lizotte and Steven Schull rolled 8-3 in their No. 3 doubles match.

Tucker Morris improved his overall record at No. 1 singles to 7-4 with a three set 6-4, 5-7, 11-9 victory over Michael Lunka. Reggie Ronning handily defeated Sam Puff 6-2, 6-3 at No. 2 singles. The Cardinals lone two wins came at No. 3 and No. 4 singles as Steve Schull was defeated 6-3, 6-1 and Kirby Ronning fell in a close match 1-6, 6-3, 10-3. Luke Palmquist and David Leafblad got the Royals back in the winning column at No. 5 and No. 6 singles. Palmquist cruised to a 6-1, 6-1 victory and Leafblad won 7-5, 6-3.

“I am really proud of the way the guys played today and the way they handled themselves,” coach Fernelius said. “They showed a lot of class. We have some guys who are improving and stepping up for us.”

The Royals will return to action Sunday indoors at UW-Eau Claire. Saturday's MIAC match against Macalester has been postponed until April 17th at 4:30 p.m. due to the impending rain Friday and Saturday. The match will begin at 1:30 p.m.