Storm beat Bethany Lutheran, go 1-2 on the weekend

INDIANOLA, Iowa – The Simpson men's tennis team picked up a big 9-0 win at Bethany Lutheran on Saturday as the team went 1-2 on the weekend.

The Storm (5-15, 1-5 Iowa Conference) lost conference matches to Buena Vista and Coe as well, falling to the Beavers 8-1 on Saturday and dropping a 9-0 decision to first-place Coe on Sunday.

Simpson had little problem disposing of Bethany Lutheran, completing their first shutout of the season.

The rout began in doubles play, where the Vikings managed only four points. Zach Kusick and Peter Reitgraf beat Brett Padfield and Troy Hoyord 8-2 at No. 1 doubles, Alex Hook and Blake Billings topped Jason Buechler and Tim Wildauer 8-1 at No. 2 and the team of Dylan Hogan and Jeff Hadden cruised past Paul Riediger and Luke Meilner 8-1 at the No. 3 spot.

Singles play was more of the same, as Hook (No. 1), Kusick (No. 2), Reitgraf (No. 3), Hadden (No. 4), Hogan (No. 5) and Billings (No. 6) swept Bethany Lutheran.

In the Buena Vista match, Kusick beat Kyle Shad 6-1, 6-0 at No. 2 singles, giving Simpson its only win.

The Storm couldn't get on the board against undefeated Coe.

Simpson has another busy weekend to close the regular season, as North Central (Minn.), Central and Minnesota Morris all visit Buxton Tennis Complex this weekend, April 27-28.