PELLA— The Central College women's tennis team finished their conference slate Saturday when it was defeated by Coe College 5-2.
         
The Dutch (7-5, 5-3 A-R-C) finished third in the American Rivers Conference.
           
"We showed a lot of heart and desire to win," said coach Ryun Ferrell. "We ran out of steam after a long night last night and we faced a great team in Coe. We battled in the singles matches but we just didn't have it today."
           
Coe (7-2, 7-1 A-R-C) swept the doubles matches to earn the doubles point.
           
Lauren Gano (sophomore, Johnston) took care of business at No. 5 singles with a quick 6-1, 6-0 win. Emily Blom (freshman, Pella) won her fifth straight match earning a 6-1, 6-2 win at No. 6.
           
"(Blom) is a machine," Ferrell said. "I couldn't be prouder of her. She had a great freshman season and showed that she is going to be a force to be reckoned with for years to come."
           
Although the team portion of the fall season is over Central hosts the American Rivers Individual Championships. There will be matches being played at Pella High School tennis courts, the H.S. Kuyper Fieldhouse, as well as Pella Christian High School tennis courts. These matches start on Friday and continue through Saturday.