WINONA, Minn. – The Bethel University men's tennis team put on a show Saturday afternoon in a 9-0 victory over the Saint Mary's University Cardinals. The Royals pulled out two singles matches in third set tie-breakers but were otherwise unthreatened in their impressive performance, increasing their MIAC playoff hopes.

"I am really proud of them all," said Royals head coach Drew Fernelius. "From top to bottom, everybody really came to play today."

Matt Schull and Luke Palmquist pulled out an 8-6 victory at No. 1 doubles and the Royals No. 2 and No. 3 doubles teams each won handily at 8-2 to set the tone for the singles matches.

The Schull brothers, playing No. 1 and No. 5 singles each won in straight sets, 6-4, 6-1 and 6-2, 6-1. Also winning in straight sets was Kolin Kiekhoefer at No. 3 singles, 6-1, 6-3 and Luke Palmquist at No. 4 singles, 6-0, 6-1. Bethel won their third set tie breakers at No. 2 and No. 6 singles as Kirby Ronning and Kent Schaller pulled out the victories. Ronning fell in the first set 6-3 but came back to win the second 6-2 and the tie-breaker 10-7. Schaller won the first set 6-4 but fell 6-3 in the second before rebounding with the 10-7 third set victory.

The Royals improved to 2-3 in MIAC play and set up a huge showdown with Saint John's University Wednesday afternoon. The Royals will host the Johnnies in their first outdoor match at the Ona Orth Athletic Complex at 4 p.m., in a match with big MIAC playoff implications.