PELLA— Using its depth, the Central College men's tennis team split two matches.
The Dutch used 19 different athletes and was competitive the whole time. Central took the first match 5-2 against Illinois College, before losing to Wartburg College, in a non-conference match, 7-0.
"We found an opportunity for our guys to play, and they got to experience playing in a match," coach
Ryun Ferrell said. "These guys all work hard, and it was great to see them win some matches."
Against Illinois College (2-9), the team used its normal doubles lineup and swept the matches to earn the point.
Ayden Fletcher (senior, Waukee) and
AJ Wilkins (senior, Grinnell) won 6-1 at No. 1 doubles,
Alex Slaymaker (sophomore, Geneseo, Ill.) and
Travis Subbert (sophomore, McKinney, Texas, North HS) won 6-2 at No. 2 doubles. The freshmen duo of
Jack Briggs (Pella) and
Benny Ramker (Waverly-Shell Rock HS) won at No. 3 doubles 6-2.
In the singles matches the Dutch (4-10) got wins from
Gavin Jablonski (freshman, Marshalltown) 6-2, 6-3 at No. 2 and
Alec Anderson-Conlon (junior, Madison, Wis., Wisconsin Virtual Academy) 6-1, 6-1 at No. 4 singles.
Quin Hull (junior, Ottumwa) won without losing a game at No. 5, and
Trey Hull (junior, Ottumwa) won 6-1, 6-1 at No. 6.
"Jablonski stepped up big today and did a nice job," said Ferrell. "Anderson-Conlon was calm cool and collected, he played well against a tough opponent."
Against Wartburg, the Knights (9-10) got the doubles point despite
Nile Christensen (sophomore, Marshalltown) and
Aidan Walker (sophomore, Ankeny) winning 6-4 at No. 3 doubles.
"We got off to a slow start in doubles, but Christensen and Walker did a nice job at No. 3. Christensen had amazing energy to spark the team," said Ferrell.
The Dutch couldn't win any of the singles matches but three of them went into a third-set tiebreak.
"It was very competitive despite the loss," Ferrell said.
Central will return to the court Saturday when it hosts Webster University (Mo.) at 4 p.m.
