ST. PETER, MINN.—The Bethel University men's tennis team's 2025-26 season came to an end following a 4-0 loss to No. 23 Gustavus Adolphus in the 2025-26 MIAC Men's Tennis Playoff Semifinal in St. Peter, Minnesota on Friday.
The Royals end their season with a 19-4 record, while the Gusties advance to Saturday's MIAC Men's Tennis Playoff Championship against Carleton with an 18-9 record.
"Obviously it's tough to be done, but couldn't be more proud of the guys playing the best team that we've played all year and giving them everything they wanted," said Royals head tennis coach Drew Fernelius. "The doubles was the best we played all season as we hung right there with them. All of our guys, No. 1 through No. 13 make up this absolute unique group that have loved and supported each other all year, and left it all out there. We'll definitely miss our seniors. Super proud of the effort, and what they've accomplished this year, which gives us a bright future. Onward, and upward!"
Gustavus 4, Bethel 0
Zack Chaffey/Watson Sheard dropped a close 7-5 decision at No. 2 doubles. Dylan Magistad/Carter Sheard were tied 6-6, and led the tiebreaker 1-0 in a No. 1 doubles match that was stopped because of a 6-4 loss from Micah Gustafson/Zach Bengtson that clinched the doubles point for Gustavus.
The Gusties locked the 4-0 win at No. 6, 4, and 3 singles. Carter Sheard highlighted the Royals at No. 1 singles, where he led 6-2, 2-1 in an unfinished match.
Bethel bids farewell to seniors Ethan Ahrar, Dylan Magistad, Carter Sheard, Watson Sheard, Ryan Reid, and Zack Chaffey.
