Springfield, Mo - The Bethel men's tennis team picked up a crucial 5-2 win on the road against Evangel University on Saturday, helping solidify its position as the second-place team in the KCAC standings.

The Threshers came out focused in doubles and earned the point by sweeping all three matches. Zaidh Zihar and Petr Kollar took a 6-3 win at the top spot, Jorge Batista and Jonah Bergeron held off their opponents 6-4 on court two, and James Menard and Billy Haoda claimed a 6-4 win at No. 3.

In singles, Bethel got straight-set wins from Petr Kollar at No. 2 and Zaidh Zihar at No. 3, with Zihar edging his opponent in a tight second set. Billy Haoda and Rodrigo Sanchez cruised in their respective matches at No. 4 and 5 to clinch the dual for Bethel. Evangel picked up wins at the top and bottom of the lineup.

Match Results:

• Doubles:
  #1: Zihar/Kollar def. Esmanhotto/Gomez – 6-3
  #2: Batista/Bergeron def. Leal/Chavarria – 6-4
  #3: Menard/Haoda def. Costa/Bouche – 6-4

• Singles:
  #1: Jorge Batista lost to Angel Gomez – 3-6, 3-6
  #2: Petr Kollar def. Vinicius Costa – 7-5, 6-4
  #3: Zaidh Zihar def. Gabriel Leal – 6-3, 7-6
  #4: Billy Haoda def. Tiago Galoppo – 6-0, 6-1
  #5: Rodrigo Sanchez def. Gabriel Esmanhotto – 6-1, 6-2
  #6: Jonah Bergeron lost to Etienne Bouche – 6-7, 3-6

Up Next:
The Threshers, currently sitting second in the KCAC, will travel toSterling College — who enters the week tied for third — in a key matchup on Thursday. First serve is scheduled for 2:30 PM.