PELLA—Preventing their opponents from winning even a single set, the Central College women's team eased to a pair of 9-0 wins over Knox College (Ill.) and Monmouth College (Ill.) on Saturday afternoon.
           
In the team's first competition of the fall, the Dutch (2-0) made quick work of the Prairie Fire (0-2) and Scots (0-4).
           
"This team has worked very hard," coach Ryun Ferrell said. "You can't take any win lightly."
           
It started at the top with Ashley Maley (senior, Waverly, Waverly-Shell Rock HS), who after a 6-1, 6-0 win in singles against Knox, battled to a 6-2, 7-6 (14-12) win against Katherine Himan of Monmouth. Maley avenged the loss she suffered against Hinman last September.
           
"She took care of business," Ferrell said. "Monmouth's No. 1 is a nice player and she has some skill. It was nice to see Ashley beat her."
           
Maley and EmmaGrace Walter (junior, Johnston) had 8-1 and 8-2 victories at No. 1 doubles against Knox and Monmouth, respectively.
           
"They played smart and aggressive," Ferrell said. "Last year we struggled against these teams at No. 1 doubles so it was nice to see them come out of the blocks so quickly."
           
Freshman Karleigh Schilling (Swisher, Cedar Rapids Prairie HS) impressed in her Central debut, winning 6-0, 6-2 against Knox and earning goose eggs against Monmouth for a 6-0, 6-0 triumph.
           
"You get a little nervous putting a freshman in the lineup," Ferrell said. "She showed in the preseason she was ready to play. She did great today."
           
Schilling also had an 8-0 win at No. 3 doubles against Monmouth, partnering with Jenna Stewart (junior, Burlington, Notre Dame HS).
           
Iowa Conference plays comes early this year, with two matches in Dubuque against Loras College and the University of Dubuque next Saturday."
           
"We've got to keep getting this young team improving," Ferrell said. "You can't improve unless you're playing. We start conference next week and we've got to be ready to go."