Results

ST. PETER, Minn. – The Bethel University women's tennis team dropped their first match of the season on Saturday to Gustavus, taking their record to 6-1 on the year.  Despite a hard-fought competition, the Royals fell 9-0 to the Gusties who notched their third conference victory of the season after going a perfect 10-0 in 2015.
 
"We competed really well against one of the most talented teams we will face all season, I'm proud of the effort and fight we showed today," said head coach Drew Fernelius.
 
For the first time this season, the Royals failed to get a point in the doubles portion of play as the Gusties came away with all three victories.  Gustavus took the opening match of the day 8-2 against the No. 1 doubles team for the Royals, marking their first loss of the season.  After another 8-2 win and an 8-1 triumph in the No. 3 doubles slot, the Gusties held the momentum heading into singles.
 
The Royals would ultimately fare no better in the singles matches but certainly did not go quietly.  Samantha Hindt provided the highlight for Bethel from the No. 4 position as she pushed her match to a third-set tie breaker before suffering narrow defeat.  The other four matches from 1-5 were competitive as the Royals took at least four games in each.
 
"It will be another tough week ahead with some challenging competition but we just have to keep getting better and hopefully we can gain some ground on some of these top-tier squads," said Fernelius.
 
Bethel will look to bounce back next weekend in a doubleheader against MIAC opponent Carleton followed by the University of Minnesota Morris.  Both matches will be on Sunday at Lifetime Fitness in Lakeville.