Box ScoreMINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – The Bethel University men's tennis team lost a heartbreaker Saturday night to the Saint Mary's University Cardinals by a 5-4 score. The Cardinals pulled out a big comeback at No. 3 doubles to take two of the three points there and also won two of the three singles matches that went to third set tie breaks.
In doubles play, SMU took the first point with an 8-4 win at No. 1 doubles over
Matt Schull and
Luke Palmquist. The Royals
Kolin Kiekhoefer and
Jakob Bartels got a nice win at No. 2 doubles, 8-6. The killer for Bethel was at No. 3 doubles were
Brett Lizotte and
Kent Schaller held an early 5-2 lead but fell in the end 9-7.
In singles play,
Matt Schull got a big straight set win over a regionally ranked player at No. 1 singles, 6-2, 6-3. At No. 2 singles
Kolin Kiekhoefer lost a tough first set 5-7 but responded in a big way, winning 6-1 and 10-8 in the second set and tie break.
Luke Palmquist fell 6-3, 6-1 at No. 3 singles but freshman
Blake Watts got a great win at No. 6 singles in straight sets for Bethel, 6-1, 6-3. The match then came down to the No. 4 and No. 5 singles matches which were the last two on the court, with both going to third set tie breaks.
Kent Schaller put up a great fight at No. 5 singles but fell in the end by a 6-2, 4-6, 10-8 score. At No. 4 singles,
Jakob Bartels won his first set 6-4 but fell in the next two 6-4 and 10-7 as the Cardinals took the victory.
"You've got to give Saint Mary's credit, they really came to play," said head coach
Drew Fernelius. "I'm certainly disappointed about the loss but not the effort. We fought hard but just left some matches on the table."
Bethel falls to 1-1 in the MIAC and 2-1 overall this season. Their next match will come on Friday, February 20 back at the Baseline Tennis Center against Hamline University.
