Mankato, Minn. - It wasn't the most ideal conditions for Bethany's home tennis opener of the spring with temperatures in the 30s. The outcome wasn't ideal either as the Vikings dropped a UMAC dual with Northwestern 8-1 for the women and 9-0 for the men.

This was the second time in eight days the Eagles and Vikings have squared off on the tennis courts with nearly identical outcomes. At the Lifetime Fitness Center in Fridley last Tuesday, Northwestern swept Bethany 9-0 in both the men and women. One woman, Rebecca Grove (Rochester, Minn./Century), was able to come through with a victory on Tuesday on for the Vikings defeating Rachel Bostrom of NWC 6-3, 7-5 at #3 singles.

Grove teamed with Ellen Tommerdahl (Champlin, Minn./West Lutheran) and lost a tight doubles match 8-4 to Bostrom and Rachel Smith. Anna Wiechmann (Savage, Minn./St. Croix Lutheran) and Kasarah Smart (Stillwater, Minn./St. Croix Lutheran) lost by an identical score to Karin Smith and Autumn Kampman.

On the men's side, Ryan Koch (Savage, Minn./Bloomington Jefferson) was forced to withdraw after dropping the first set to David Knight of NWC 6-1 at #1 singles. Luke Riediger, at #6 singles, dropped his match to Coleton Grasto 6-2, 1-6.

Both teams are back on the Bethany courts Friday when they host St. Scholastica at 3 p.m.