PELLA — By eking out a 5-4 victory over Wartburg College on Saturday morning, the Central College men's tennis squad secured one of six spots in the postseason Iowa Conference tournament.

The victory advanced the season record for the Dutch to 6-14 overall and 3-2 in league matches. Wartburg slipped to 8-12 and 3-3.

"Wartburg and Central is always a battle," coach Ryun Ferrell said. "I never take getting that third win lightly. The team played hard and tough."

Central held on to a 2-1 following doubles action, including an 8-1 victory by the No. 2 duo of Garret Taylor (senior, Creston) and Danny Anderson (freshman, Boone) who were palying together for the first time.

Needing just three singles wins to claim the team win, the No. 4, 5 and 6 players got it done. CJ Cliff (junior, Decorah) at No. 5 made quick work of Jeremy Ellerby for a 6-1, 6-2 outcome.

"CJ's been sick all week and really hadn't practiced since Monday," Ferrell said. "He beat a nice player pretty handily."

At No. 6 singles, Scott Wilson (junior, Urbandale) blanked Will McDonald in the first set and finished off a victory at 6-0, 6-4. Tom Palmer (junior, Pella) secured the win at No. 4, besting Sam Nettleton to the tune of 6-4, 6-2.

Palmer was the only Dutch player to go 2-0 on the day after partnering with Sam Dykstra (sophomore, Pella) for an 8-2 win at No. 3 doubles.  

After taking a break from conference play by welcoming Grand View University to Pella Wednesday, Central will battle the University of Dubuque and Loras College Saturday at home.