ROCHESTER, MINN.—The Bethel University men's tennis team open their 2026 season with a 2-0 record following a 6-1 victory over Central College in Rochester, and a 5-2 decision over Bethany Lutheran in St. Peter on Saturday.

Bethel 6, Central 1 (Box Score)

The Royals claimed the doubles point behind victories from Carter Sheard/Watson Sheard 7-6 (7-4) at No. 1, Zach Bengtson/Dylan Magistad 6-1 at No. 2, and Micah Gustafson/Kade Bishop 6-0 at No. 3.

Bethel won five-of-six singles matches, led by Dylan Magistad's 6-1, 6-3 victory at No. 2. Zack Chaffey kept that momentum going with a 6-1, 6-3 decision at No. 3, while Watson Sheard was victorious 6-0, 6-3 at No. 4. Rounding out the Royals victories was Kade Bishop's 6-1, 6-2 triumph at No. 5, and Ryan Reid's 6-2, 6-0 win at No. 6.

Bethel 5, Bethany Lutheran 2 (Box Score)

Bethel swept doubles courtesy of Dylan Magistad/Carter Sheard 6-2 at No. 1, Zack Chaffey/Watson Sheard 6-0 at No. 2., and Micah Gustafson/Zach Bengtson 6-2 at No. 3.

Carter Sheard took care of business 6-3, 6-0 at No. 1 singles, as did Watson Sheard 6-1, 6-4 at No. 4. Kade Bishop prevailed 6-2, 6-1 at No. 5, while Micah Gustafson dominated 6-0, 6-2 at No. 6.

The Royals will host Wartburg at Rogers Tennis Center on Friday, February 6 at 7 p.m.