NORTH NEWTON, Kan. — The Bethel College men's tennis team has been ranked No. 23 in the NAIA in the latest ITA national polls, marking a strong start to the 2026 spring season and reinforcing the program's position among the nation's top teams.

Bethel returns a deep and experienced roster from last season's squad that finished second in the KCAC and earned multiple all-conference honors. Back in the lineup for the Threshers are Jorge Batista, Zaidh Zihar, Jonah Bergeron, Billy Haoda, Rodrigo Sanchez, and Petr Kollar, giving Bethel a veteran core with proven success at both singles and doubles.

Several of those returners were recognized in last year's KCAC postseason awards. Petr Kollar earned First Team All-KCAC honors, while Billy Haoda was named to the Second Team. Jorge Batista and Zaidh Zihar both received Honorable Mention recognition, highlighting the depth and balance of Bethel's roster heading into the new season.

With experience across the lineup and momentum from last spring, the Threshers will look to build on their national ranking when they open the 2026 season on the road. Bethel is set to face Arizona Christian on February 19 in Glendale, with first serve scheduled for 10:00 AM Mountain Time.

The matchup will be Bethel's first test of the season and an early opportunity to compete against strong regional opposition as the Threshers begin their push toward another postseason run.