Box Score 1 | Box Score 2 | Box Score 3 | Box Score 4 PELLA — The Central College women's tennis team had a unique start to its season Saturday, playing five dual matches in two different locations and using 20 different players to secure a 2-3 record.
           
Central was victorious 8-1 in its only home match against Monmouth College (Ill.). The Dutch also split into two groups at the seven-team North Central Invitational. Central defeated Elmhurst University 9-0, lost twice to North Central College 9-0 and dropped a 6-3 decision against the Illinois Institute of Technology.
           
The highlight of the day though for Ferrell was getting 20 players on the court in game action.
           
"It's so important for us to get everyone on our team playing in matches," he said. "I was glad we could make that happen today."
           
In the closest match of the day against Illinois Tech, Central raced to a 2-1 lead after doubles but dropped five of six singles matches. Three of those losses came in three-set affairs. Alyssa Lewton (senior, Ankeny, Iowa, Centennial HS) won her No. 2 singles match in three sets 5-7, 6-3, 10-7.
           
"It was really hot today and everyone who played in Illinois really battled through two matches," he said.
           
Ferrell was especially pleased by what he saw from some of his freshmen and sophomores against Monmouth at home, defeating a veteran Scots lineup.
           
"It was good to see them compete, some of them for the first time in a Central uniform," Ferrell said. "I'm excited to see them grow and develop as players more."
           
Central travels to Coe College on Saturday for a 10 a.m. match.