GRINNELL — Squaring off with one of the best NCAA Division III teams in the region, the Central College men's tennis team lost to Grinnell College 9-0 Saturday morning.

A 2022 NCAA Division III tournament team and Midwest Conference champions, the Pioneers (6-4) handed the Dutch (3-5) their third loss of the season against NCAA Division III opponents.

"Grinnell is easily one of the top-three teams we will play this year," coach Ryun Ferrell said. "They were good last year but they might be even this year because they are a little older."

Central rearranged its singles lineup, using its third different configuration.

"We're going to keeping adjusting to try and figure some things out," Ferrell said. "We want to make sure everybody is in the right spots."

Despite the sweep, Ferrell says his team is showing promise.

"I like what I saw today," Ferrell said. "We definitely have room for improvement but we are heading in the right direction."
           
Central travels to Baldwin City, Kansas to face Baker University next Saturday at 1 p.m. The Dutch will then head to Liberty, Missouri for a 6 p.m. dual against William Jewell College.
           
"We've got handful of non-conference matches left to get us ready for the conference season," Ferrell said. "Those two matches next weekend will be good ones for us to see what we are capable of."