Results | MIAC Recap

NORTHFIELD, Minn. – The Bethel University women's tennis team lost their first-round MIAC playoff match to St. Olaf on Tuesday afternoon, bringing their 2016 season to a close.  The 5-4 defeat marks just the fifth loss of the season for the Royals in what was a record-breaking year for the program.

"I couldn't have been more proud of the ladies for the way they fought until the bitter end.  We are excited for the future of the program and the direction that we are headed," said head coach Drew Fernelius.

With both teams using the same lineups as their regular-season finale on Saturday, the Oles again grabbed the advantage in doubles.  The Royals initially cruised to an 8-3 win in the No. 2 doubles match to get on the board but the Oles quickly regained the momentum.  The home squad completed a comeback to win on the No. 1 court 8-6 while also winning the No. 3 match 8-5.

Heading into singles down 2-1, the Royals needed four points to advance.  Abigail Anderson rolled to a 6-0, 6-3 victory to tie the match 2-2 and jumpstart the Royals as singles play began.  The Oles then won on the No. 3 court before the competition was slowed by rain.  Following numerous delays, Jill Weintzettel engineered a comeback victory to cut the lead to 4-3 for the Oles.  In need of just one more point to clinch the match, the Oles edged the Royals in a tiebreaker on the No. 4 court.

The Royals will finish the season at 19-5, setting a new record for total wins and establishing a solid foundation for the future.