CEDAR RAPIDS — Trailing 3-0 after doubles for the second match in a row, the Central College men's tennis team could not overcome the same deficit, dropping a 5-0 decision against Luther College in an Iowa Conference tournament semifinal Saturday morning.

The season ends with a 10-15 overall record for the Dutch. The Norse (18-5) advanced to the league tournament championship Saturday afternoon. They will face the regular season champions Coe College.
           
In Friday's night semifinals against Loras College, the Dutch went down 3-0 after doubles but rallied back for a 5-3 win. They were unable to recapture the same magic Saturday.
           
"We played a lot better than yesterday," "Luther's just a great team. It's a big hill to climb and we just couldn't climb it all the way."
           
Sam Dykstra (sophomore, Pella) and CJ Cliff (junior, Decorah) were both leading in the second set of singles at No. 3 and No.4, respectively. Neither were able to complete it before the Norse finished the match with their fifth win.
           
Fourteen players on the team's 15-man roster are in line to return in 2017-18, as Alex Anderson (senior, Boone) is the only player departing the program due to graduation. They will aided by the addition of handful of incoming freshmen.
           
"Hopefully our players will put the work in over the summer like they need to do," Ferrell said. "We'll have some freshman come in and help us, too. I think we've got an opportunity to do something special."