PELLA — In its first action in Pella of the spring, the Central College men's tennis team was tripped up by Northwestern College Saturday afternoon.

Central (0-5) had a 2-1 advantage after doubles against the Red Raiders (4-4) but lost four of six singles matches.

"We looked really good in doubles," coach Ryun Ferrell said. "This group really seems to understand doubles. We just looked like a young team in doubles and a team that has everyone in new spots. We need to keep playing and learning so we can continue to improve."

Travis Subbert (freshman, McKinney, Texas, North HS) went 2-0 for Central, starting with an 8-4 win at No. 3 doubles with Ernest Alvarez Chedzoy (freshman, Kerrville, Texas, Tivy HS).  He also was a 6-4, 6-3 winner at No. 5 singles.

"Travis did great today," Ferrell said. "He played well in doubles and even better in singles. The court looked like it made sense to him today."

AJ Wilkins (junior, Grinnell) and Alejo Marcon (sophomore, Pella, Pella Christian HS) battled for an 8-7 (7-5) win at No. 1 doubles. Ayden Fletcher (junior, Waukee) also was victorious 6-4, 6-7 (1-7), 1-0 (10-7) at the top spot in singles.
           
Central has four matches next weekend. The weekend starts with a 4 p.m. match Friday in Moline, Illinois against St. Ambrose University while a different group plays Illinois Wesleyan University in Bloomington at 7 p.m. On Saturday, Central has an 8 a.m. match against Greenville University (Ill.) in Bloomington. The final competition is Sunday at 2:30 p.m. in Mount Vernon against Cornell College.
           
"Those should be good experiences," Ferrell said. "We looked tough today; we just need to keep playing. Before you know it, we'll have a lineup that's solidified, and everyone will know their role."