DUBUQUE— In their first American Rivers match since Sept. 14th, the Central College women's tennis team returned with a 3-4 loss to the University of Dubuque.
           
"We played a little less than normal," coach Ryun Ferrell said. "It was a competitive match, and our team played hard but just came up a little short."
           
The Dutch (4-4, 2-2 A-R-C) earned the doubles point winning two out of the three matches. Jenna Mitsuko Mahoney (junior, Misawa, Japan, Robert D Edgren HS) and Becca Vala (senior, Omaha, Neb., Elkhorn HS) won 6-2 at No. 2 doubles. Madi Whalen (junior, Kansas City, Mo., Park Hill HS) and Kalina Schubert (senior, Newell, Newell-Fonda HS) won 6-3 at No. 3 doubles.
           
Lauren Gano (sophomore, Johnston) won at No. 5 singes 7-5, 6-1. Emily Blom (freshman, Pella) won at No. 6 6-1, 6-1. Three other matches went to a third set, but the Spartans (4-4, 1-3 A-R-C) won them.
           
"Mahoney was the last one on the court and her third set was moved inside because we ran out of sunlight, Ferrell said. "Once we moved inside, she was unable to get rhythm, but she played well in her doubles match. Blom dominated in her singles match which was great to see."
           
The squad has a quick turnaround when it plays Saturday against Loras at noon.