AUSTIN, TEXAS —A big win at No. 1 doubles was not enough for the Central College women's tennis team, falling at the hands of Concordia University (Texas) 7-2 Thursday.
The loss means the Dutch split their two matches in Texas over spring break and drop to 8-5 on the year and 1-2 so far in the spring.
Continuity is key for doubles pairings according to Coach
Ryun Ferrell and his point was proved Thursday at the No. 1 spot. The only duo to not to be reshuffled from the fall season,
Ashley Maley (junior, Waverly/Waverly-Shell Rock HS)
and EmmaGrace Walter (sophomore, Johnston) picked up a 9-8 (7-5) victory.
"That's the best those two have looked so far this spring," Ferrell said. "It really helps that they've stayed together since the fall."
Kari Grindberg (junior, Fort Dodge) and
Paige Vannausdle (junior, Red Oak) held a 6-3 at No. 2 doubles before taking an 8-6 loss. The No. 3 doubles pairing of
Madison Krumm (freshman, Grinnell) and
Jenna Stewart (sophomore, Burlington/Notre Dame HS) fell 8-1.
"That's a brand new pairing at No. 2," Ferrell said. "They're just learning how to play together. We've only been practicing for two weeks and have only been outside five times."
Grindberg secured another singles victory, topping Camille Kempf 6-4, 6-4 at No. 5.
A pair of home matches await the next Dutch next Saturday, starting with Northwestern College at 10 a.m. and Cornell College at 2 p.m.
???????"We've got another week to get ready and play some more good teams," Ferrell said."