PELLA — The Central College women's tennis team bounced back from a disheartening 5-4 loss in the first match against the University of Dubuque by knocking off Loras College 6-3 in the nightcap Saturday.
Entering the day, the Dutch (7-2, 5-2 Iowa Conference) still had a chance to share the league title if they could win their last three matches. Central came up just short against the Spartans in the opener and will now likely earn the No. 4 seed in the league's spring tournament.
"That was a tough one against Dubuque," coach Ryun Ferrell said. "I was proud of our young team for hanging close on a day when we maybe didn't play our best tennis."
Jenna Stewart (sophomore, Burlington, Notre Dame HS) continued her strong sophomore season with a pair of dominating victories at No. 4 singles. Against Dubuque she shut out her opponent 6-0, 6-0 before overcoming McKenna Craff of Loras 6-1, 6-1.
"Every time she steps on the court, she's capable of tearing people apart," Ferrell said. "She's had a really good season."
Stewart also teamed with Paige Vannuausdle (junior, Red Oak) for a pair of No. 2 doubles victories, racking up an 8-1 win against Dubuque and outlasting Loras 9-7.
"They're playing really good tennis right now," Ferrell said.
At No. 5 singles, Kirsten Jordan (sophomore, Clear Lake) had to come from behind to defeat Megan Ranney of Dubuque 6-7, 6-1, 6-3. Jordan then whitewashed Ayla Graziano of the Duahwks 6-0, 6-0.
"She was the last one off the court against Dubuque and her goal was to make sure she wasn't against Loras,"Ferrell said. "Kirsten hates losing more than she likes winning. She gets the ball back constantly and drives her opponents crazy. I'm really impressed by her season so far."
Saturday was also Senior Day for Central's two seniors Morgan Ernst (Pella) and Alli Brandenberg (Kellogg, Grinnell HS) who Ferrell says have been a huge part of the program.
"They've meant a lot to our team in the three years I've been here," he said. "I'm excited to see what they do in the future."
The Dutch women will wrap up conference play with a trip to Luther College Sunday for a 3 p.m. match in Decorah.
