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ST. PETER, Minn. –The first appearance in the MIAC playoffs for the Bethel University women's tennis team ended in disappointingly quick fashion as Gustavus Adolphus College defeated the Royals 5-0. Because of the cold temperatures, wind and wetness in the St. Peter, Minn., area all MIAC playoff matches were moved indoors. With the move indoors, Friday's matches were played to decision rather than completion, meaning two Royals singles players never took the court and another was unable to finish the first set before Gustavus had reached five victories. The third seeded Gusties, who have won 20 of the last 21 MIAC women's tennis titles, advance on to the semifinals against number two seed Carleton on Saturday.

 “We played well but they were just too tough tonight,” said first year head coach Drew Fernelius. “I am a very grateful and proud coach though. It was an amazing first year with incredibly talented young women with a lot of heart and love for each other and more importantly the Lord, who blessed them with their gifts and abilities. I can't wait until next season!”

The Gusties came out strong in sweeping the doubles matches. Abby Edin and Lisa Scheevel fell 8-1 at No. 1 doubles while Steph Brown and Kristin Vivian fell 8-0. Abby Kreklau and Kayla Wheeler put up a valiant effort at No. 3 doubles but fell 8-4. Both Edin/Scheevel and Kreklau/Wheeler finished the MIAC season with very respectable 6-5 records in doubles competition. Kreklau and Wheeler won 11 matches total on the season.

Singles play began with the No.1, No. 2 and No. 3 slots taking the court and the Gusties needing just two points to end the match. Edin and Scheevel fell 6-0, 6-0 and 6-2, 6-4 at No. 1 and No. 2 spots. Kristin Vivian was just beginning a third set tie-breaker at No. 3 singles and Steph Brown was in a tight first set in her match at No. 4 singles when the match was halted. Vivian dropped the opening set 1-6 before rebounding with a 6-4 second set victory. The match ended with her trailing 1-0 in the tie-break. Brown's match ended with her down 6-5 in the first set. Senior Kayla Wheeler, who holds the Royals best individual record at 12-4 and 7-3 in the MIAC, did not get the opportunity to compete at No. 5 singles. Junior Amanda Johnson, the Royals No. 6 singles player, never stepped foot onto the court as she did not compete in the doubles competition.

Seniors Steph Brown, Lisa Scheevel and Kayla Wheeler closed out their careers as Bethel University tennis players in Friday's loss. The Royals finished the season with a 9-9 overall record and 5-6 in MIAC play, including the playoff loss. It was the first MIAC playoff appearance in Bethel women's tennis history.