MINNEAPOLIS – The Bethel University women's tennis team opened 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 dominant No. 1 doubles team of Grace and Maggie Riermann rolled to an 8-1 decision while Sydney Rott and Meghan Schuler won by the identical score at No. 3 doubles. Mackenzie Novak and Jill Weinzettel earned Bethel an early 3-0 lead with an 8-0 decision at No. 2 doubles.  

The Royals swept the table in singles play not dropping a set. The Royals did not lose more than three games in any of the 12 singles sets. Grace Riermann stays perfect as a No. 1 singles player while Maggie Reiermann and Mackenzie Novak round out the top of the lineup with a five-match winning streak.

Bethel is back in action next Saturday, March 2 as they take on Grinnell College in non-conference play at 9 a.m. before taking on St. Olaf College at 2 p.m. Both matches will take place at the Baseline Tennis Center on the campus of the University of Minnesota.