PELLA — The top of the Central College women's tennis team's lineup came up big in a 5-4 victory over Concordia University (Neb.) Wednesday afternoon.
           
The Dutch (8-7) have won three of four matches this spring.
           
"Our doubles play is looking better because that's what we've been spending a lot of time on it," coach Ryun Ferrell said. "Singles is starting to turn slowly but we're starting to figure put some things there."
           
Four of Central's victories came in the No. 1 and No. 2 slots for singles and doubles. Karleigh Schilling (junior, Swisher, Cedar Rapids Prairie HS) won 6-1, 6-7, 10-6 atop the singles lineup and Maddie Hartley (sophomore, Clarinda) won 7-6, 1-6, 10-6 at No. 2 singles
           
"It's not easy to do what they did," Ferrell said. "Karleigh and Maddie were able to figure it out and find the gear to finish them off."
           
Hartley and Bronwyn Metcalf (sophomore, Pella) won 8-6 at No. 1 doubles while Schilling and Alyssa Lewton (sophomore, Ankeny, Centennial HS) won 8-1 at No. 2 doubles.
           
"We've really wanted to see improvement in doubles," Ferrell said. "The No. 2 team looked tough and won easily. The No. 1 team battled well and got the win."
           
Lewton was responsible for Central's fifth win, taking a 6-3, 6-4 victory at No. 4 singles.
           
"Alyssa is tough as nails," Ferrell said.
           
Central returns to the A.N. Kuyper Athletics Complex tennis courts Friday at 4 p.m. for a match against Northwestern College.

"We'll have a nice, easy practice tomorrow working on a couple of things but nothing too crazy," Ferrell said. "The big thing is this squad needs to play. Northwestern is a good team and it will be a good battle."