ARDEN HILLS, Minn. – The College of Saint Benedict tennis team battled with one of the top teams in the league Saturday afternoon, and came just a few sets shy of a MIAC win.
 
The Bennies fell 6-3 to Bethel in a tight conference match in Arden Hills. The Royals and Bennies each won a match that went to extra sets, and Bethel came out on top in a pair of second sets that ended as close as possible. 
 
"(Saturday) was another MIAC battle that could have gone either way," CSB head coach Michael Engdahl said. "Bethel is a strong team, and even though we didn't get the win, we are showing we belong towards the top of the MIAC. It will feel good to have Easter break off and come back fresh in a couple weeks."
 
Bethel (8-7, 4-1) took a 2-1 lead after doubles play thanks to wins at No. 1 and 2 doubles. Maria Bedford and Greta Nesbit fought for an 8-4 win at No. 3 doubles. Lily Fredericks and Peyton Kopel fell 8-2 at No. 1 doubles, and Jane Bodensteiner and Sophia Jonas lost 8-3 at No. 2 doubles.
 
Jonas and senior Grace Lee picked up CSB's two singles wins to wrap up the day. Jonas picked up an extra-set win 4-6, 6-4, 10-7 at No. 5 singles and Lee won 6-1, 6-4 at No. 6 singles.
 
Fredericks lost to a tough Bethel opponent 6-0, 6-0 at No. 1 singles, and Kopel and Nesbit both nearly forced a third set in their singles matches. Kopel fell 6-4, 7-5 at No. 2 singles and Nesbit lost 6-1, 7-5 at No. 3. Bodensteiner lost in extra sets at No. 4 singles, falling 6-1, 3-6, 10-7.
 
Saint Benedict is now 8-6 overall and 4-3 in the MIAC. The Bennies aren't scheduled to play again until Friday, April 22, when they host St. Kate's starting at 4:30 p.m. at the CSB Tennis Courts.