MINNEAPOLIS – The Northwestern men's tennis team kicked off its 2014 season on Saturday, falling 9-0 to Bethel University at the Baseline Tennis Center on the University of Minnesota campus. The Eagles, who lost their two top singles players from a year ago, struggled to gain points on the court.

Match Results

Jimmy Ekman (River Falls, Wis./River Falls) had the best singles performance on the day from a statistical standpoint in his 6-4, 6-0 loss to Matt Schull at the No. 1 position. Phil Gudim, starting the year at No. 2 for Northwestern, put up a 6-3, 6-1 fight against Kirby Ronning that also resulted in a loss. Trevor Grasto (Big Lake, Minn./Big Lake) made his Eagles debut in the match as he squared off against the Royals' Kent Schaller in No. 5 singles action. Schaller won the match 6-0, 6-1.

UNW's doubles matches went much of the same way, as Bethel started the day with wins of 8-2, 8-2 and 8-1.

Northwestern will have some time to practice before its next match, which will take place at 6 p.m. on Friday, February 21 at Lifetime Fitness in Fridley against Hamline University.