MINNEAPOLIS – The Bethel University men's tennis team kicked back into Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference play with a 9-0 shutout of Saint Mary's University Friday evening at the Baseline Tennis Center on the campus of University of Minnesota.

The Royals No. 1 doubles team of Hunter Fernelius and Jason Reilly won in a solid 8-3 decision. Zach Kantor and Erik Beckers battled at No. 2 doubles match coming out on top by a score of 8-3 also. BU swept the doubles competition as Joey Mueller and Nick Knudsen took the No. 3 doubles match in identical fashion at 8-3.

Fernelius returned to the court as the Royals No. 1 singles and played to a 6-4, 6-4 decision over Bobby Tiedeman. Zach Kantor played in his first No. 2 singles match of the season winning 6-2, 6-1. Erik Beckers at No. 3 single went 6-4, 6-1. Nick Knudsen snapped a three-match losing streak at No. 4 singles battling all the way to the end. Knudsen took the opening set 6-1 before taking the second 7-6. Knudsen battled to the tiebreaker which he took 7-1. Jason Reilly took care of business at No. 5 singles 6-2, 6-0 while Joey Mueller took the No. 6 singles match 6-0, 6-2.

The Royals (5-2) will have to wait a week to return to action as tomorrow's MIAC contest against Carleton is postponed due to impending inclement weather. BU takes on St. Olaf College next Friday, March 1 at 7 p.m. inside the Baseline Tennis Center.