ARDEN HILLS, Minn. – The Bethel University men's tennis team defeated Saint John's University 5-4 on Sunday afternoon at the Ona Orth Athletic Complex to keep their playoff hopes alive.  The Royals are now 3-4 in the MIAC with just two conference matches remaining.
 
"This was a fantastic win for the guys after a loss yesterday.  It was an absolutely huge step for us to keep our playoff hopes alive," said head coach Drew Fernelius.
 
The Royals got out to a fast start on Sunday as they took a quick 2-1 lead in doubles play which included a narrow loss in the No. 2 match.  Matt Schull and Luke Palmquist led off with an 8-5 victory in the opening match while the No. 3 team of Hunter Fernelius and Jakob Bartels closed out doubles with an 8-3 win to give Bethel the advantage heading into singles.
 
Despite falling behind early in singles after dropping three matches in straight sets, the Royals were able to grind out two marathon matches to complete the comeback.  Following a convincing win from Fernelius on the No. 3 court, Bartels won his match 13-11 in the third-set tiebreaker which set the stage for Schull to clinch the team victory with a long, two-set triumph of his own.
 
The Royals will now have five days to prepare for their final home match which will take place on Saturday against Northwestern.  Following this non-conference matchup, Bethel will have two MIAC contests against Hamline and St. Olaf to determine their postseason fate.  Saturday's action is scheduled to start at 3 p.m. at the Ona Orth Athletic Complex.