WAVERLY — A veteran-laden women's tennis team from Wartburg College knocked off Central 8-1 Saturday afternoon in an American Rivers Conference match.

The Dutch fall to 4-3 overall and 1-1 in conference matches.

"They were just a little bit better than us in every spot we lost," coach Ryun Ferrell said. "They've got a bunch of juniors and seniors, and we've got a lot of freshman and sophomores."

Sarah Schirm's (freshman, Cedar Rapids, Xavier HS) 6-3, 2-6, 10-4 victory at No. 3 singles was the lone point for the Dutch. Schirm is a perfect 5-0 on the season.
"You could see our team point-for-point and shot-for-shot adapting and changing," Ferrell said. "They got better as the day went on. I wish we had few more weeks of matches and then play this oen again. We're going to continue to work and improve.

There were other close matches between the two sides, including a 7-5, 2-6, 12-10 decision that went against Karleigh Schilling (sophomore, Swisher, Cedar Rapids Prairie HS) at No. 1 singles.
           
"I can see us really learning and figuring stuff out," Ferrell said. "These women are getting tough and I'm really excited about what they are doing. Better days are in front of us, that's for sure. We just have to be patient and positive. We just have to be patient and positive."

A two-day swing through Northeast Iowa continues Sunday when Central plays Luther College at 1 p.m. in Decorah. The Norse (3-2) played Simpson College

"Tomorrow is going to be a battle as well," Ferrell said. "We'll have to see what happens."