ROGERS, Minn. – The Bethel University men's tennis team opened its 2021 campaign with an 8-1 victory over Saint Mary's Friday evening at Rogers Tennis Club.

Jumping right into MIAC play, the Royals opened with a doubles sweep before taking five of the six singles matches. Veteran leadership from graduate student Zach Kantor and senior Joey Mueller led the way as neither dropped a set.

Bethel makes the quick turnaround taking on the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse tomorrow (Saturday, March 6) at the Rogers Tennis Club. First serve comes at Noon.

Bethel University 8, Saint Mary's University 1
Singles competition
1. Erik Beckers (BU) def. Evan Huemoeller (SMU) 6-1, 6-1
2. Zach Kantor (BU) def. Brandon Kurilla (SMU) 6-2, 6-2
3. Josh Janssen (SMU) def. Jason Reilly (BU) 6-4, 6-4
4. Tyler Creelman (BU) def. Trevor Smiley (SMU) 6-1, 6-3
5. Jacob Lukkarila (BU) def. Gabe Graves (SMU) 7-5, 6-3
6. Joey Mueller (BU) def. Brendon Raabolle (SMU) 6-0, 6-1

Doubles competition
1. Erik Beckers/Jason Reilly (BU) def. Brandon Kurilla/Trevor Smiley (SMU) 8-2
2. Zach Kantor/Joey Mueller (BU) def. Evan Huemoeller/Josh Janssen (SMU) 8-2
3. Tyler Creelman/Jacob Lukkarila (BU) def. Gabe Graves/Reilly Fredell (SMU) 8-2