WINONA, Minn. – The Bethel University women's tennis team came tantalizingly close to pulling off a 5-4 victory on the road against the Saint Mary's University Cardinals, but in the end came up on the wrong end of the 5-4 decision. The Royals fell behind 2-1 after the doubles matches but were able to take three singles matches in quick fashion to pull even as the final singles match wound down. Larissa Voss, playing at No. 6 singles, went into a third set tie breaker but fell 10-6 to give the Cardinals the MIAC victory.

"This was a really disappointing, heartbreaking loss," said Royals head coach Drew Fernelius. "We played some really good matches and had a great win at No. 3 doubles to give ourselves some momentum and a chance but were able to win just three singles matches."

The Cardinals took the early lead with a pair of 8-5 wins at No. 1 and No. 2 doubles. The Royals No. 3 doubles team of Kourtney Jakubic and Larissa Voss pulled out a big victory for Bethel 9-8 (8-6) to keep the Royals hopes of earning their first MIAC victory alive.

In singles play, senior Abby Edina at No. 1 singles and Kristin Vivian at No. 2 singles, both won in dominant fashion. Edin took care of her opponent 6-2, 6-0 and Vivian won 6-1, 6-3. Freshman Kourtney Jakubic continued her stellar play at No. 5 singles with a 6-1, 6-0 victory. Jakubic earned her team high 8th win of the season and improved to 4-1 at No. 5 singles. Amanda Johnson found herself down 5-0 in the second set after falling 6-1 in the first, but was able to fight back to get within 5-4. Johnson was unable to get any closer, however and fell 6-4 at No. 3 singles. At No. 4 singles Abby Kreklau fell 6-1, 6-2 which set the stage for the final match on the court at No. 6 singles with the two teams tied 4-4. After falling 6-3 in the first set, Voss took the second set 6-2 to force the third set tie-breaker. Voss was unable to pull out the tie-break, losing a heartbreaker by a 10-6 score.

Bethel will host their first match of the season outdoors at the Ona Orth Athletic Complex next Saturday as they take on the Gustavus Adolphus College Gusties at 10 a.m.