PELLA — Despite a 2-1 lead after the doubles matches, the Central College women's tennis team fell Tuesday in a 5-4 loss to Concordia University (Neb.).
           
The Dutch (5-9) dropped its second match of the spring in a narrow decision against the Bulldogs (6-5), an NAIA squad.
           
"We battled well," coach Ryun Ferrell said. "We're a young team going through some growing pains."
           
Alli Kreider (junior, Norwalk) and Becca Vala (sophomore, Omaha, Neb., Elkhorn HS) both picked up singles wins for Central. Kreider won 7-6, 6-3 at No. 5 and Vala won 6-1, 6-2 at No. 6.
           
"Becca did a great job," Ferrell said. "She took care of her opponent pretty quickly."

Madi Whalen (freshman, Kansas City, Mo., Park Hill HS) and Jenna Mahoney (freshman, Misawa, Japan, Robert D. Edgren HS) both made it to a tie-breaking third set at No. 2 and 4 singles, respectively, before falling.

"We had chances to get a third singles point," Ferrell said. "We just came up a little short."

Jennifer Larson (sophomore, Johnston) and Whalen won 8-6 at No. 1 doubles. Juniors Brianna Lindstrom (North Aurora, Ill., West Aurora HS) and Jenna Hernandez (Slater, Ballard HS) were also 8-6 winners at No. 3.

"Brianna did a great job," Ferrell said. "She's figuring out she can play doubles and do a good job."
           
A busy week for the Dutch women continues Thursday with a home match against Truman State University (Mo.) at 4 p.m.