PELLA — With the Iowa Conference tournament looming next weekend, the Central College women's tennis team fell 8-1 against Grinnell College Saturday.
Central ends the regular season with a 10-7 overall record.

The lone point for the Dutch came at No. 6 singles, courtesy of Kirsten Jordan (sophomore, Clear Lake). Jordan, who won 7-5, 6-3, leads the Dutch with 14 singles victories this season.

"She's one of the toughest outs on this team," coach Ryun Ferrell said. "She's had an amazing year and has done an outstanding job for us."

The Dutch were on the brink of two more singles wins at No. 4 and No. 5, as Kari Grindberg (junior, Fort Dodge) and Jenna Stewart (junior, Burlington, Notre Dame HS) both felt in three-set matches.

Despite the wide-margin of defeat against the Pioneers (14-6), Ferrell was happy with the effort.

"Overall it was a solid day," Fuller said. "We came out a little slow in doubles, but once we settled down it was great."

Friday marks the start of the single-elimination Iowa Conference tournament, as the No. 4 seed Central faces No. 5 Wartburg College in Decorah. The winner get the host No. 1 Luther College.

"It's always a battle between us," Ferrell said. "We're ready for that. We need to polish a few things up and then we'll hopefully be able to take care of business."