PELLA— Playing higher competition, the Central College men's tennis team lost two matches Saturday.
"I love playing out-of-division competition early in the season. It is tough, and our team had to dig deep in these matches," coach
Ryun Ferrell said. "Our team responded well, including some athletes that were sick, but this group fought, and we played great despite the losses."
In its opening match the Dutch lost to Division II Quincy University (Ill.) 7-0. Quincy won the doubles point taking two of the matches.
Alex Slaymaker (sophomore, Geneseo, Ill.) and
Travis Subbert (sophomore, McKinney, Texas, North HS) were able to snag a win at No. 2 doubles.
In the singles matches
Ernest Alvarez Chedzoy (sophomore, Kerrville, Texas, Tivy HS) was the lone Dutch athlete to win a set.
In the second match of the day Central lost 5-2 to NAIA Concordia University (Neb.).
Concordia was able to sweep the doubles matches.
Jack Briggs (freshman, Pella) and
Benny Ramker (freshman, Waverly, Waverly-Shell Rock HS) were able to force a tie break but ended up falling 8-6.
In the singles matches
AJ Wilkins (senior, Grinnell) secured a 6-0, 2-6, 10-7 win at No. 2 singles, and Alvarez Chedzoy picked up a win after his opponent had to retire in the first set.
"Wilkins won a great match," Ferrell said. "Its not easy to get momentum back after losing the second set but he responded well. Alvarez Chedzoy looked good all day."
The Dutch return to the court when Cornell College comes to H.S. Kuyper Fieldhouse Sunday at noon.
