PELLA— Continuing to build momentum before the American Rivers Conference tournament at the end of the season, the Central College women's tennis team defeated Webster University (Mo.) 5-2.
           
Starting off strong, the Dutch took the doubles point after Jenna Mitsuko Mahoney (junior, Misawa, Japan, Robert D. Edgren HS) and Becca Vala (senior Omaha, Neb., Elkhorn HS) won in a tiebreak at No. 2. Keleigh Hall (senior Keokuk) teamed up with Madi Whalen (junior, Kansas City, Mo., Park Hill HS) to win 6-1 at No. 3 doubles.
           
"Whalen and Hall looked great, and our No. 2 doubles team was able to claw out a victory," said coach Ryun Ferrell.
           
In the singles matches, Webster () won at Nos 1 and 2, but the Dutch were able to hold them there. Vala was able to pick up her first win of the spring season with a 6-2, 6-2 win at No. 3.
           
"Vala is one of the toughest women I have coached," Ferrell said. "Once she figures you out it is hard to beat her. It was great to see her pick up a win today."
           
Lauren Gano (sophomore, Johnston) split the opening two sets 6-2, 6-2 with her opponent but she was able to pull out a win at No. 4 singles in a tiebreak. Emma Murphy (sophomore, Liberty, Mo.) and Emily Blom (freshman, Pella) both only lost one game in their two sets with Murphy winning 6-1, 6-0 at No. 5 singles and Blom won 6-0, 6-1 at No. 6.
           
"We were able to win the first sets of most of the matches which puts pressure on the opponent," Ferrell said. "It was a solid match for them to play as the team continues to get in rhythm for the A-R-C tournament."
           
A change to the schedule will now have Gustavus Adolphus University (Minn.) play on the A.N. Kuyper Athletics Complex tennis courts Saturday at 2 p.m.