Results

ARDEN HILLS, Minn. – The Bethel University women's tennis team clinched a MIAC playoff berth for the second time in program history with a 7-2 win over the College of Saint Benedict on Tuesday.  Despite being picked eighth in the preseason poll, the Royals have now recorded a program-record 19 wins after losing four lineup players from a year ago.
 
"This was a great win for the ladies and I couldn't be more proud.  It's been an unbelievable season and we've just continued to keep our heads down and keep fighting," said head coach Drew Fernelius.
 
The Royals started the day by grabbing a pair of victories in the first two doubles matches which eventually led to a 2-1 lead going into singles.  The No. 1 team of Sydney Parkinson and Jill Weinzettel cruised to an 8-2 victory while teammates Mattie Kidder and Anna Browning rolled to an 8-4 victory to capture the advantage for Bethel.
 
After taking a comfortable lead into singles play, the Royals were quick to shut the door as they pulled out straight-set victories in the No, 3, 4 and 5 matches to clinch the team victory.  Weinzettel led the way, dropping just two games while Browning and Samantha Hindt each recorded 6-1, 6-2 victories.  Parkinson and Kidder also grinded out a couple of long matches to finish the day for the Royals as they improved to 6-3 in conference play with one match remaining.
 
The Royals will travel to Northfield on Saturday for the last regular-season match of the year as they take on St. Olaf.  While Bethel has already clinched a playoff spot, there will be postseason implications on the line.  If the Royals win, they will play at home in the first round against the Oles but if they lose they will travel back to Northfield.  Saturday's action is scheduled to begin at 10:30 a.m.