GALESBURG, ILL. — An 8-1 drubbing of Knox College (Ill.) gave the Central College men's tennis squad it's only win of the weekend in three chances.

Also in Galesburg, Central (3-8) dropped a 6-3 match against Principia College (Ill.). Using a split-squad again, Central fell 5-4 against Cornell College in Mount Vernon.

It's the second time this season that Central has split its team to compete in two different locations this season and coach Ryun Ferrell says it's been beneficial.

"It was a successful split squad day," he said. "We're showing that we can compete against anybody. We were able to play 16 guys today. We really want our student-athletes to be able to play in competitive tennis matches."

Of the matches played in Galesburg, only Kris Weeden (freshman, Des Moines, Dowling Catholic HS) and Danny Anderson (freshman, Boone) went 2-0 in singles play.

"They both stepped up today," Ferrell said. "They really took care of business, which is great to see from a pair of freshmen."
Against the Rams, the Dutch were blindsided in doubles and found themselves in 3-0 hole they couldn't quite dig out of."

"We came out slow in doubles," Ferrell said. "Their coach even admitted that it was the best they had played in doubles this season."

A furious rally in singles action came up short as the Dutch could only win four of the six matches. At No. 6, Scott Wilson (junior, Urbandale) rallied to win 6-7 (5-7), 6-4, 10-6.

"It was exciting to see us win those four single matches against Cornell," Ferrell said. "Scott really battled back to get a win."

Another busy weekend is on deck for the Dutch March 3-4. A trip west to face Division I Nebraska-Omaha Friday at 3 p.m. kicks off the weekend. The Dutch then make their home debut Saturday against Purdue-Northwest (Ind.) at 2 p.m.