ROCHESTER, MINN. — In its first match of the 2022 spring season, the Central College men's tennis team fell 6-3 against Bethel University (Minn.) Saturday afternoon.

The Dutch (0-1) have opened four of the last five seasons in Rochester against the Royals (1-0) and it's the closest margin of victory despite such a young Central team.
           
"For our initial match with this team, we did really well," coach Ryun Ferrell said. "We've never done this well against Bethel in the opener and I think they are a good team. I was very pleased."
           
In his first dual match with the Dutch, Ayden Fletcher (freshman, Waukee) was a winner in both singles and doubles. In his No. 6 singles match, Fletcher won 6-1, 4-6, 10-5. In the No. 3 doubles hole, Fletcher and Brad DiLeo (senior, Iowa City, West HS) were 8-6 winners.
           
"You never know what to expect from a freshman in a first match," Ferrell said. "He and Brad looked tough in doubles. They both hit the ball hard. He came out of the blocks fast in singles but then had a 20-minute lull to lose the second set. His opponent had all of the momentum in the world and Ayden turned the tides in the third set to win."
           
Nick Scott (sophomore, Fort Benton, Mont, Great Falls Central Catholic HS) won 6-4, 2-6, 10-7 as the No. 5 singles player.
           
The Dutch travel to Grinnell College Saturday for matches against Grand View University at 1 p.m. and the host school at 5 p.m.
           
"It doesn't matter who we play, we just need to play," Ferrell said. "Grinnell is always good and Grand View has an international roster. As long as you get an opportunity to play, you have a shot to win."