CEDAR RAPIDS — The Central College women's tennis team put together a pair of dominant final scores Saturday in beating the University of Dubuque 9-0 and Loras College 8-1.
           
Central (8-5 overall, 6-0 American Rivers Conference) kept its perfect record in conference play by beating the Spartans (2-0, 0-4 conference) and Duhawks (3-4, 2-3 conference).
           
"It wasn't the prettiest tennis in the world but it was probably some of the toughest tennis I've seen this team play all year," coach Ryun Ferrell said. "From top to bottom, everybody just played tough. At the end of the day, that's what you want as a coach. I'd rather see my kids playing tough and learning how to play and winning tough matches."
           
After dispatching the Spartans in the morning, the Dutch went across town to beat the Duhawks. Loras had beaten Simpson 6-3 in their first match of the day.
           
"Loras is one of those teams that is just dangerous enough, if you take your foot off the gas, they get excited," Ferrell said.
           
Maddie Hartley (senior, Clarinda) was one of four Central players to go 4-0 on the day. In the No. 3 singles slot, she won 6-0, 6-1 against Dubuque and 6-3, 6-2 against Loras.
           
"Maddie is starting to figure some things out and is playing some of her best tennis right now," Ferrell said. "For her to go 4-0 on a weekend like this is impressive.
           
Seniors Bronwyn Metcalf (Pella), Sarah Schirm (Cedar Rapids, Xavier HS) and Katie Larson (Fort Madison) also had 4-0 performances.
           
Central has two dual matches left on its schedule, hosting Luther College Friday at 4 p.m. and Wartburg College Saturday at 9:30 a.m.
           
"It's exciting," Ferrell said. "If we beat them both, we win a conference title. We have a shot to do it and its all you can ask for. Our goal is to go out there and expect nothing and just play as hard as we can."