OWATONNA, Minn. – The Bethel University men's tennis team completed a weekend sweep of Wartburg College and Bethany Lutheran College, surrendering a total of just two points.  Following a 9-0 victory to open the 2016 season last Friday, the Royals once again used dominating singles play to overcome early challenges in the doubles.
 
"It was a great day for the men, we were able to use our depth and we are very happy to get off to a 3-0 start before entering our first conference match next weekend," said head coach Drew Fernelius.
 
The No. 1 doubles team of Matt Schull and Luke Palmquist squeezed out an 8-6 victory to start the day for the Royals against Wartburg and they never looked back.  Bethel won the remaining two doubles contests in convincing fashion before taking all six singles matches, four of which came in straight sets.
 
In the latter portion of the doubleheader, the Royals faced a challenge from Bethany Lutheran but ultimately prevailed after dropping the No. 2 doubles match.  Bethel used all 12 players in the second contest of the day, capturing each of their five singles points in straight sets.  Kolin Kiekhoefer moved up to the No. 1 singles spot in the first match and cruised to a 6-0, 6-0 victory to give Bethel a 3-1 lead.  The Royals comfortably won the next four singles matches in straight sets before surrendering a narrow defeat in the No. 6 slot.
 
Now with three wins under their belt to begin the year, the Royals will start preparations for their first conference match against Concordia this Saturday.