PELLA — Wartburg College, the defending American Rivers Conference champions, triumphed over the Central College women's tennis team 6-3 on Saturday morning.
           
Wartburg (7-6, 5-2 conference) won two out of three doubles matches to set the pace against Central (4-6, 3-4 conference).
           
"We were right there and had chances to win," coach Ryun Ferrell said. "We need to taste a little more success and we will realize it suits us."
           
Maddie Hartley (sophomore, Clarinda) had a 6-1, 6-4 singles victory in the No. 2 slot and Sarah Schirm (sophomore, Cedar Rapids, Xavier HS) toppled her opponent 6-4, 6-1 at No. 6.
           
"They were both women on a mission," coach Ryun Ferrell said. "Maddie beat a senior and Sarah beat a junior. I've never seen Maddie play so calm and so smart. Sarah hugged the baseline and made her opponent earn every point."
           
In doubles action, Karleigh Schilling (junior, Swisher, Cedar Rapids Prairie HS) and Laurynn Mize (junior, Sycamore, Ill.) bagged an 8-3 decision as the No. 2 tandem.
           
"They played as if they could hear each other's thoughts," Ferrell said. "It was incredible. They were all over their opponents and played great."
           
Central hosts Simpson College in its final dual of the season on Tuesday at 4 p.m. The match will be played in Pella at the A.N. Kuyper Athletics Complex tennis courts. It will serve as senior day for Sami Thompson (Knoxville), the only senior on the team.
           
"Sami has done a great job for us and we couldn't be more excited about her path beyond Central," Ferrell said. "We're excited to celebrate her and say thanks for doing so well for us."