ARDEN HILLS, Minn. — The Bethel University men's tennis team finished their regular season on a high note as they defeated Hamline University by a final score of 6-3.  The victory over the Pipers (7-10, 2-6 MIAC) awards the Royals (17-5, 6-3 MIAC) their first MIAC Playoff appearance since 2014 and their first home playoff match since 2010. 
 
BU began the match with a pair of doubles wins, which gave them a 2-1 lead heading into singles play where they won four of six contests. Matt Schull and Hunter Fernelius continued their hot streak when beating Hamline's No. 1 duo by a final tally of 8-5. Schull and Fernelius have helped Bethel win 14 straight matches at No. 1 doubles dating back to March 12. Kolin Kiekhoefer and Noah Ridgway then followed with an 8-1 win at No. 2 doubles to give the Royals an edge heading into singles play.
 
After dropping the third doubles match, Bethel rallied to win at No. 1, 2, 3, and 4 singles. No. 1 singles player Matt Schull took care of business winning 6-2, 6-2. Kolin Kiekhoefer then followed in similar fashion winning 6-0, 6-1 at No. 2 singles and No. 3 singles player Hunter Fernelius sealed the win for the Royals with a 6-1, 7-5 victory.  He was followed by Jakob Bartels, who also got a win on the day. 
 
The Royals next competition will be a home playoff match on Tuesday at 3:30 p.m.  They will be taking on the Johnnies of Saint John's University.