STORM LAKE — Playing on the road in the American Rivers Conference for the second night in a row, the Central College women's tennis team defeated Buena Vista University 8-1 Wednesday.

Central (6-4, 3-2 conference) secured a spot in the American Rivers Conference team tournament with the victory over the Beavers (0-6, 0-4 conference).

"We looked really solid," coach Ryun Ferrell said. "It's tough to play at Buena Vista since they only have four courts. Overall, I was very pleased with how we performed."

For the second night in a row, Central swept the three doubles matches. Sami Thompson (senior, Knoxville) and Madi Ulrich (sophomore, Huntley, Ill.) pitched an 8-0 shutout at No. 3.

"We squashed them early and didn't give them a chance to get back up," Ferrell said. "We didn't want to give Buena Vista anything to be excited about."

The No. 1 tandem of Laurynn Mize (sophomore, Sycamore, Ill.) and Maddie Hartley (freshman, Clarinda) won 8-2. At No. 2 Sarah Schirm (freshman, Cedar Rapids, Xavier HS) and Katie Larson (freshman, Fort Madison) won 8-1.

Getting a chance at the No. 6 single spot, Cassidy Bos (senior, Geneseo) was victorious 6-1, 6-2.

"She did a great job," Ferrell said. "She played against someone with a pretty big forehand but it was a little consistent I can always count on her to give me everything she's got."

In the No. 3 through 5 spots in the singles lineup, Thompson, Hartley and Larson all had 6-0, 6-0 wins. Schirm topped her opponent 6-2, 6-1 in the No. 2 slot.
           
"All of the freshman have really improved a ton," Ferrell said. "They are getting better day-by-day and I'm really excited about what they've been able to contribute and what they are going to do when they get older in this program.
           
By securing a top-six finish in the conference, Central has solidified a spot in the league tournament in the spring.
           
"We've got into the tournament," Ferrell said. "Now we've got to pick off as many teams as we can and get the highest seed possible."