MOUNT VERNON — Playing its third match in two days, the Central College women's tennis team outlasted Cornell College for a 5-4 road win Sunday afternoon.
           
After losing a pair of 5-4 matches Saturday, the Dutch (7-9) got their first win of the spring season against the Rams (11-8).
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It was nice to be on the other end of a 5-4 decision," coach Ryun Ferrell said. "For as much as we played yesterday, the team showed some fortitude and toughness. They did a really good job."
           
The No. 1 doubles team of Emma Murphy (freshman, Liberty, Mo.) and Lauren Gano (freshman, Johnston) recorded an 8-7 (7-4) win to start the day. Murphy added a 6-3, 6-2 win in the No. 5 singles match.
           
"Emma is figuring some things out," Ferrell said. "She played calm and tough. It was nice to see her get some success today."                                    
           
The No. 3 doubles of Madi Whalen (sophomore, Kansas City, Mo., Park Hill HS) and Keleigh Hall (junior, Keokuk) battled for an 8-7 (7-5) victory.
           
Jenna Mitsuko Mahoney (sophomore, Misawa, Japan, Robert D. Edgren HS) was victorious at No. 3 singles 6-3, 7-6 (7-2) and Becca Vala (junior, Omaha, Neb., Elkhorn HS) won 7-6 (7-2), 7-5 at No. 4 singles.
           
The Dutch are off for over a week before traveling to St. Ambrose University on Tuesday, April 2 for a 4 p.m. match.
           
"This team is extremely responsive," Ferrell said. "They work hard and take practice seriously. We didn't play our best tennis this weekend, but we competed hard. When our play catches up with our competitiveness, we're going to be a force to reckon with."