PELLA — A solid victory in the opening match for the Central College women's tennis match was followed by a narrow defeat in pair of home matches Saturday.

The Dutch (9-6) defeated Northwestern College (4-3) 6-3 in the opener and dropped a 5-4 decision against Cornell College (17-5) in the second match.

"The women are just tough," coach Ryun Ferrell said. "I'm so proud of them. The beat a nice Northwestern team and fell to a very good Cornell team. They're one of the best teams in their league."

The team's performance in doubles played a key part in the win over the Red Raiders.

"That was great for us to sweep them in doubles," Ferrell said. "We spend a lot of time on doubles so that was good to see."

With a 12-5 record in singles this season, Kirsten Jordan (sophomore, Clear Lake) has the best winning percentage on the team. She won both of her singles match, beating Kelly Shortenhaus (Northwestern) 6-4, 6-3 and Anne Seng (Cornell) 7-5, 6-3.

"She is a human ball machine," Ferrell said. "If you're going to beat her, it's going to take a long, long time. She is more than willing to stay out there from now until doomsday in order to beat you. She has embraced that kind of a role."

Paige Vannausdle (junior, Red Oak) rebounded from a first set loss to down Kendra McGinnis (Northwestern) 2-6, 6-1, 6-0 at No. 3 singles. She also won by default against Cornell in singles. Partnering with Kari Grindberg (junior, Fort Dodge) at No. 2 doubles, Vannausdle and Grindberg went 2-0.

"Paige has stepped up nicely," Ferrell said. She is having a great spring. She came to us not knowing how to play doubles at all and now she is a key part of our lineup there. Her and Kari are a force to be reckoned with."

Next on the docket for the Dutch women is a match at Grand View University in Des Moines next Thursday at noon.