PELLA — Using 12 different players in its lineup, the Central College women's tennis team lost to Simpson College 6-3 Friday afternoon.
           
Coach Ryun Ferrell wanted to get as many players in the lineup as possible for the Dutch (5-5, 5-3 conference) against the Storm (9-5, 5-3 conference). Central used its normal varsity lineup in doubles play, winning two out of three. The Dutch used six different players in singles, including seniors Sarah Behrens (Red Oak), Laurynn Mize (Sycamore, Ill.) and Grace Forde (Chicago, Ill., Regina Dominican HS).
           
"It was a great thing to get so many people into play," Ferrell said. "We looked tough and it was a lot of fun."
           
Bronwyn Metcalf (junior, Pella) and Maddie Hartley (junior, Clarinda) were 8-1 winners at No. 2 while Sarah Schirm (junior, Cedar Rapids, Xavier HS) and Alex Griggs (sophomore, Knoxville) posted an 8-0 blanking at No. 3
           
"Bronwyn and Maddie played a very athletic match today," Ferrell said. "They were coming in and being aggressive. Sarah and Alex have really made a name for themselves as a team. They've done a great job since the fall and it's great to see them continue it."
           
Central's only singles win came from No. 4 Macy Scharff (junior, Oskaloosa) by a 6-4, 5-7, 11-9 margin.
           
"It wasn't her best match but it was some of the toughest tennis I've seen her play," Ferrell said.
           
Central will play an exhibition match next Wednesday at Wartburg College at 4 p.m.