ORLANDO, FLA.— The Central College men's tennis team lost both matches on day two in Orlando, Florida.
           
The matches were played at the USTA National campus and for the first time the squad played on clay courts in the second match of the day.
           
In the opening match against Covenant University (Ga.) the Dutch (2-8) lost 6-1.
           
"I like how we played; Covenant is a good team and similar to us, but we took another step in our progression with this match," said coach Ryun Ferrell.
           
In the doubles matches Covenant swept Central, despite No. 3 doubles Travis Subbert (sophomore, McKinney, Texas, North HS) and Ernest Alvarez Chedzoy (sophomore, Kerrville, Texas, Tivy HS) battling before falling 7-5.
           
In the singles matches Jack Briggs (freshman, Pella) won his third straight singles match securing a 6-2, 6-3 win at No. 3.
           
"Briggs is very confident in his singles game, and he is playing great tennis," said Ferrell. "Playing outside has been great for him, and he has transitioned so well to the different conditions. It is rare to see someone transition this well."
           
The second match of the day against St. Scholastica came down to the final match, but the saints were able to hold on for the win.
           
"It was different to play in clay courts, but we battled, and no one quit," Ferrell said. "We are getting more confident, and despite the competition getting better we are continuing to improve."
           
The singles matches were first, and the Dutch got wins from Briggs 6-1, 6-1 at No. 3 singles, Subbert 6-3, 6-3 at No. 5 singles and Benny Ramker (freshman, Waverly, Waverly-Shell Rock HS) battled after losing the first set 6-2 for a 7-6 second set win and finished it off with a win in the third set tiebreak.
           
Subbert and Chedzoy were the lone winners at No. 3 doubles earning a 6-4 win. Ayden Fletcher (senior, Waukee) and AJ Wilkins (senior, Grinnall) lost the deciding match at No. 1 doubles 6-4.
           
The team will play its final matches in Florida, Thursday starting with Wittenberg University at 8 a.m. EST at the Wynee Warden Tennis Center in Lakeland, Florida followed by Transylvania University (Ky.) at 6 p.m. EST back at the USTA National Campus in Orlando, Florida.