MINNEAPOLIS — The Bethel University women's tennis team already knew they had locked up the program's third-ever trip to the postseason heading into Saturday's match against St. Catherine University, but the Royals (18-4, 7-3 MIAC) still had plenty to play for when taking on the Wildcats (11-6, 6-4 MIAC) at Baseline Tennis Center. BU, who earned the No. 5 seed last year and the No. 6 seed in 2013, had a chance to capture the No. 4 seed and earn the team's first-ever home playoff match. Bethel managed to do just that when outlasting St. Catherine 5-4, which rewarded the Royals with a home match against the same opponent on Wednesday, May 3 at 3:45 p.m.

BU began Saturday's regular-season finale with a pair of doubles wins, both at No. 1 and No. 3, which gave the Royals great momentum heading into singles. No. 1 doubles pair, Sydney Parkinson and Jill Weinzettel, got Bethel off to a solid start as they battled to an 8-5 triumph. After falling at No. 2 doubles, Sami Hindt and Mattie Lubben rallied at No. 3 doubles to win 8-3. 

Taking a 2-1 lead into singles, Bethel only need three wins to secure victory, and that is exactly what they got. No. 2, 3, and 4 singles all got wins on the day, ensuring Bethel with victory. Sydney Parkinson battled her opponent at No. 2 singles and held on to defeat her opponent 7-5, 6-1. Jill Weinzettel followed at No. 3 singles and finished with an exciting 6-2, 5-7, 10-5 win that featured a third-set tiebreaker. Sami Hindt then sealed the victory for the Royals with scores of 6-4, 6-1 at No. 4 singles. 
 
"I'm just really proud of the effort of the girls all year to get us to this point," Coach Fernelius said. "I'm also very excited for to host our first-ever playoff match next week."
 
With an 18-4 regular season now complete, Bethel looks to continue their winning ways when hosting St. Catherine University on Wednesday, May 3 at 3:45 p.m. in the first round of the 2017 MIAC Playoffs.