ROCHESTER, Minn. - The Bethel University men's tennis team opened their 2019 season in style Saturday night. The Royals came ready to go out of the gates to dominate Central College from top to bottom by a score of 9-0.

The Royals No. 1 doubles team of veteran Hunter Fernelius and rookie Erik Beckers won in sweeping fashion with an 8-0 score. Zach Kantor and Nick Knudsen battled a good No. 2 doubles match coming out on top 8-4. BU swept the doubles competition as Joey Mueller and Jason Reilly took the No. 3 doubles match 8-2.

After a successful run at the ITA Midwest Region Championships in the fall, Fernelius returned to the court as the Royals No. 1 singles played to a 6-2, 6-2 decision. Making his Bethel debut was Beckers who rolled to a 6-1, 6-1 win at No. 2. Junior Zach Kantor won 6-1 in both sets at No. 3 while Nick Knudsent took No. 4 singles in straight sets at 6-3, 6-1. Freshman Jason Reilly dominated at No. 5 with a 6-1, 6-0 decision while Joe Mueller gutted out a three set win by scores of 6-4, 3-6, 10-7.

The Royals next match will take place on February 1 as they host Northwestern College out of Iowa.

Bethel University 9, Central 0

Singles competition
1. Hunter Fernelius (BU) def. William Isiminger (CENM) 6-2, 6-2
2. Erik Beckers (BU) def. David Boschma (CENM) 6-1, 6-1
3. Zach Kantor (BU) def. Kris Weeden (CENM) 6-1, 6-1
4. Nick Knudsen (BU) def. Brad DiLeo (CENM) 6-3, 6-1
5. Jason Reilly (BU) def. Tanner Finken (CENM) 6-1, 6-0
6. Joey Mueller (BU) def. Ethan St. John (CENM) 6-4, 3-6, 10-7

Doubles competition
1. Hunter Fernelius/Erik Beckers (BU) def. William Isiminger/David Boschma (CENM) 8-0
2. Zach Kantor/Nick Knudsen (BU) def. Kris Weeden/Jackson Lewton (CENM) 8-4
3. Joey Mueller/Jason Reilly (BU) def. Colin Jones/Ben Turnley (CENM) 8-2