GRINNELL — Starting the spring season with a new lineup, the Central College women's tennis team lost 9-0 against Grinnell College Sunday afternoon.
           
Central (8-8) fell against Grinnell (11-1), a team that lost its first match of the season earlier Sunday afternoon at the University of Northern Iowa.
           
"That's the best team we'll play all spring," coach Ryun Ferrell said. "It's also the best Grinnell team we've ever played."
           
The Dutch were playing their first match of the spring season.
           
"We looked a little rusty in the beginning, but by the end of the day I was pleased," Ferrell said
           
Central has a hole at the top of the lineup where Bronwyn Metcalf played No. 1 singles before graduating in December.
           
"It's hard to not have Bronwyn," Ferrell said. "It's not like we lost our No. 6, we lost our No. 1 and everybody has to move up in the lineup."
           
Alli Kreider (sophomore, Norwalk) stepped in for Metcalf, playing the No. 6 role.
           
"We gave her a shot tonight and she played great," Ferrell said. "She played like she knew she had a great opportunity to showcase her skill. I was pleased to see her play well despite the score."
           
Central hosts St. Ambrose University on Saturday at noon.