NORTHFIELD, Minn. — The Bethel Univeristy women's tennis team clinched a playoff berth Friday evening by defeating St. Olaf College 8-1.  The Royals got off to a solid start by winning two of the three doubles matches.  The momentum from doubles propelled them into singles, where they shined with a sweep in all six matches.
 
After losing in a tight match at No. 1 doubles, Bethel rallied, taking the next two doubles contests.  At No. 2 doubles, Mattie Kidder and Anna Browning took care of business winning 8-1.  No. 3 doubles pair of Sami Hindt and Mattie Lubben pulled out a close one to give the Royals a 2-1 lead going into singles.  Mattie Kidder beat a talented opponent at No. 1 singles winning 6-4, 6-4.  Sydney Parkinson rolled to a 6-4, 6-2 victory at No. 2 singles. Jill Weinzettel showed a lot of heart by coming back from losing the first set at No. 3 singles and won in a third set tiebreaker with scores of 3-6, 6-4, 10-8.  At No. 4, 5, and 6 singles, Sami Hindt, Anna Browning and Meghan Schuler all won in straight sets. 
 
"I couldn't be prouder of the girls with the way they've battled this year," Coach Fernelius said.  "The girls have continued to work hard and support each other."
 
Next Saturday, the Royals have their final match of the regular season as they take on St. Catherine University in St. Paul at 10 a.m.  A lot rides on this matchup as a win gives Bethel home court advantage in MIAC Playoffs.