STORM LAKE — For the first time in two months, the Central College men's tennis team is back over .500 after sweeping Buena Vista University 9-0 Wednesday.
Central (10-9, 5-1 American Rivers Conference) won its first match of the season and had not a winning record since until defeating Buena Vista (0-8, 0-5 conference). Central's non-conference gauntlet saw losses to Division III regional powerhouses like Gustavus Adolphus College (Minn.) and St. Olaf College (Minn.) and scholarship programs from Division II and NAIA.
The Dutch were dominant in doubles, starting with an 8-1 throttling at No. 1 by
Nick Scott (sophomore, Fort Benton, Mont., Great Falls Central Catholic HS) and
Caleb Hamerlinck (senior, Huxley, Ballard HS).
"They complement each other well," coach
Ryun Ferrell said. "They can beat nearly anybody. We've been working on keeping it simple and not trying to do too much."
Matthew Den Adel (senior, Ankeny, Centennial HS) and
Trey Melvin (senior, Lawrence, Kan., Free State HS) added an 8-3 win at No. 2 doubles and Central received a point by forfeit at No. 3 doubles.
The run continued in singles as Melvin won 6-2, 6-3 at No. 1, Scott won 6-3, 6-0 at No. 2 and
AJ Wilkins (sophomore, Grinnell) won 6-1, 6-2 at No. 3. Hamerlinck triumphed 6-3, 6-1 at No. 4 and
Ayden Fletcher (sophomore, Waukee) went 6-0, 6-0 at No. 5. The Beavers forfeited No. 6.
"Any time Buena Vista made a good shot, we settled it down and got back to work," Ferrell said. "We've got some nice depth this year and we are a year older than we were last year, which helps a ton.
"Trey is playing some of his best tennis right now. He's playing like a No. 1.
Central hosts Coe College Saturday at 10 a.m. and Wartburg College at 2 p.m. With two wins, the Dutch would finish second in the league standings and advance directly to the conference semifinals next week.
"We're looking forward to the weekend," Ferrell said. "It's a big weekend for our program. I'm excited to see what we can do."
