PELLA—Central College freshman Sarah Schirm (Cedar Rapids, Xavier HS) prevailed in the day's final match to preserve a 5-4 women's tennis over Loras College after an 8-1 victory over the University of Dubuque Saturday.
           
After starting the day outside, the action had to move to H.S. Kuyper Fieldhouse in the afternoon due to rain and Schirm's match extended well into the evening before she emerged with a 4-6, 6-4, 6-4 victory at No. 4 singles.
           
"She's going to learn so much from this experience," coach Ryun Ferrell said. "It's really going to help her in her career as she goes on because she knows that she can get it done, against a very talented player."
           
Schirm was 2-0 on the day for Central (8-4 overall, 5-2 American Rivers Conference) as were Kirsten Jordan (senior, Clear Lake) at No. 5 singles and Sami Thompson (junior, Knoxville) at No. 6.
           
Karleigh Schilling (sophomore, Swisher, Cedar Rapids Prairie HS) and Jenna Stewart (senior, Burlington, Notre Dame HS) won twice at No. 1 doubles.
           
"The women showed a lot of fortitude today against Loras, which came out of the blocks really fast against us," Ferrell said. "They got it done."
           
Central completes league play next Saturday, playing host to Coe, 5-1 overall, 4-1 conference. The Kohawks were 7-1 last year and edged Central 5-4 at Cedar Rapids last fall. Coe holds a commanding 19-3 advantage in the teams' all-time series.
           
"We can be excited about this win but we've got to continue to get to work," Ferrell said.