PELLA — The Central College men's tennis team could not hold onto a 2-1 lead after the doubles matches, losing to Concordia University (Neb.) 6-3 Wednesday night.
           
The Dutch fell to 2-11 on the season. Concordia improved to 5-4.
           
"The men played hard," coach Ryun Ferrell said. "I'm putting them through a tough schedule because we are trying to improve and do better in the league. They're tough and handing the difficulty."
           
With wins at No. 1 and No. 3 doubles, Central started strong in the first part of the match. William Isiminger (junior, North Aurora, Ill., West Aurora HS) and Brad DiLeo (sophomore, Iowa City, West HS) 8-6 at the top. Tanner Finken (sophomore, Carroll, Kuemper Catholic HS) and Ethan St. John (junior, Crystal Lake, Ill., Central HS) also won 8-6 at No. 3
           
Central would go on to lose fix of the six singles matches.
           
"We did great in doubles," Ferrell said. "We just looked a little tired in singles."
           
The lone singles winner for Central, Isiminger won 6-1, 8-5 in the No. 1 slot.
           
"He played great, even though he had at two-hour test and his brain was fried," Ferrell said. "He did a great job today. He's got a chip that resides on the shoulder and he will fight tooth and nail to beat you. It's just the way he is."

Central is off for 10 days before splitting up and heading to both Cornell College and Gustavus Adolphus College (Minn.) on March 21.
           
"I think the break is coming at the right item," Ferrell said. "When we get back, we'll probably be able to get most of the team playing time."