INDIANOLA — The Central College women's tennis team couldn't beat darkness, but were able to defeat Simpson College 5-0 in Iowa Conference action in a shortened match Wednesday night.

Playing on a court without lights, The Dutch (6-1, 4-1 IIAC) and the Storm (5-5, 2-4 IIAC) had just about a three-hour window to play. Central put itself in good position by sweeping all three doubles matches. It's the fourth time Central has done so this season.

"We looked good in doubles," coach Ryun Ferrell said "No. 2 doubles came out a little slow, but they were able to speed it up towards the end."

That No. 2 doubles grouping consisted of Paige Vannausdle (junior, Red Oak)and Jenna Stewart (sophomore, Burlington, Notre Dame HS) who followed up their 8-4 victory in doubles with identical 6-0, 6-1 wins at No. 3 and No. 4 singles, respectively. They were racing against sunlight to try and give the Dutch the necessary five victories to secure the win.

"Paige and Jenna took care of business," Ferrell said. "They were done very quickly and kind of saved the day for us."

Central was leading in the second set of three of the other four singles matches and Cheyenne Powell (sophomore, Nacogdoches, Texas) had split sets against her opponent at No. 6 singles before the match was called off.

A busy weekend of conference tennis awaits Central with a home doubleheader against the University of Dubuque at 9 a.m. and Loras College at 2 p.m. on Saturday. A trip to Decorah to face Luther College on Sunday at 3 p.m. will follow.

"We've got to compete," Ferrell said. "We can win those matches, but we've got to play smart and stick to the basics. We're good at making serves and keeping the ball in play. We just need to do what we do best."