ARDEN HILLS, Minn. – Bethel University women's tennis head coach Drew Fernelius entered his eight season at the helm of the program with 100 wins. On Saturday the Royals opened their 2019-20 campaign a little earlier than in years past playing matches against WIAC foes UW-Stout and UW-Eau Claire. BU went on to win both those matches by scores of 9-0 and 7-2 helping Fernelius surpass the 100 career win mark as head coach of the Royals women's tennis program.

The Royals are serving as pioneers for MIAC women's tennis playing non-conference matches that will be reflected on the team record for the season. The benefits include an opportunity to play teams from the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference that play their conference schedule and conference tournament in the fall and not the spring like the MIAC. Playing competition from the WIAC will benefit the Royals regional and national rankings come spring time.

With the Royals since 2013 Fernelius has been a three-time MIAC Women's Tennis Coach of the Year, produced 12 MIAC All-Conference Singles selections and 13 MIAC All-Conference Doubles honorees. This past spring he guided Bethel to a program-best 20 wins as well as the programs first-ever MIAC Playoff Championship match appearance.  Other accolades include Bethel's first-ever women's tennis All-Americans in Maggie Riermann and Grace Riermann who won the TIA Midwest Region doubles championship in 2018. Maggie Riermann also earned the 2019 women's tennis MIAC Elite 22 Award.