DUBUQUE — A dominant effort by the bottom half of the Central College men's tennis team's lineup overwhelmed the University of Dubuque 7-2 Friday night.

The Dutch (8-9, 3-1 American Rivers Conference) took down the Spartans (2-12, 0-5 conference) for the 13th consecutive meeting.

In the Nos. 4-6 singles matches, Central only lost three sets. Caleb Hamerlinck (senior, Huxley, Ballard HS) was a 6-0, 6-2 winner at No. 4. Ayden Fletcher (sophomore, Waukee) was spotless in a 6-0, 6-0 win at No. 5. Matthew Den Adel (senior, Ankeny, Centennial HS) won 6-1, 6-0 at No. 6.
           
"We took off in singles," coach Ryun Ferrell said. "I told the team that we are deep enough to get the job done and they took care of business."
Central also got single wins from Nick Scott (junior, Fort Benton, Mont., Great Falls Central Catholic HS) 6-0, 6-3 at No. 2 and AJ Wilkins (sophomore, Grinnell) 6-1, 6-3 at No. 3
           
"Those guys played tough," Ferrell said.

In doubles, Trey Melvin (senior, Lawrence, Kan., Free State HS) and Den Adel won 8-4 at No. 2. Alejo Marcon (freshman, Knoxville, Pella Christian HS) and Wilkins won 8-3 at No. 3.
           
"We got off to a slow start in doubles but recovered well," Ferrell said.

The Dutch are back action at 10 a.m. Saturday from Dubuque with a match against Loras College.           

"We clinched our spot in the tournament today," Ferrell said. "Now we just need to pick off as many teams as possible. Loras is going to be tough, so we need to be ready."