Central Results | UW-Eau Claire Results

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – The Bethel University men's tennis team split a doubleheader over the weekend at the Baseline Tennis Center, defeating Central College before dropping a close match to the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire.  The loss to the Blugolds marks the first of the season for the Royals who are now 5-1 on the year.
 
"I'm extremely proud of the guys for how they fought this weekend, that was the toughest competition we've faced this year and it will certainly help us down the road," said head coach Drew Fernelius.
 
The Royals rolled to a 9-0 victory in Saturday's contest, taking all six singles matches in straight sets while surrendering just 13 games in the process.  Led by Jakob Bartels who won in both the No. 1 doubles and No. 3 singles, the Royals stymied the Dutch and made quick work of their opponent.  Bethel used 11 players en-route to a fifth straight victory and looked to be in prime position to take on the regionally-ranked Blugolds.
 
Despite a hard-fought competition on both sides, the Blugolds eventually snapped the Royals' five-match winning streak and won 6-3.  UWEC started quickly out of the gate, taking the first two doubles matches before the Royals got on the board with the No. 3 team of Kolin Kiekhoefer and Hunter Fernelius. 
 
After entering singles play down 2-1, Bethel captured their next point from Luke Palmquist who won in straight sets from the No. 5 position.  The Royals would go on to force three third-set tiebreaks in the five remaining singles matches but Kiekhoefer was the lone victor.  The Blugolds pulled out crucial wins in the No. 1 and No. 4 matches to clinch the competition and improve to 6-1 on the season.
 
The Royals will look to bounce back against another high-flying opponent next Saturday as they resume their conference schedule, taking on Gustavus.  The match is set to begin at 9:30 a.m. in St. Peter.