PELLA— The Central College men's tennis team fell 7-0 to the American Rivers Conference leading Luther College.
Luther (13-5, 3-0 American Rivers) took the doubles point sweeping the matches despite two being battles. At No. 1 doubles
AJ Wilkins (senior, Grinnell) and
Ayden Fletcher (senior, Waukee) went to a tiebreak before losing 12-10. The freshmen duo of
Benny Ramker (Waverly, Waverly-Shell Rock HS) and
Jack Briggs (Pella) lost 7-5.
"We had chances to win at Nos. 1 and 2 and we played some really good doubles," coach
Ryun Ferrell said. "We came out of the blocks fast at No. 1 doubles and had some match points but couldn't quite get over the hump. Overall, it was very good, and we looked tough."
The Norse also swept the singles matches but Wilkins found himself in another tiebreak. At No. 3 doubles Wilkins lost the first set 6-1 but rebounded well and won the second set 6-3. In the third set tiebreak he fell short 11-9. Fletcher was able to win seven games in his two sets at No. 1 singles and Briggs won six games at No. 2.
"AJ's opponent came out of the blocks really fast, but we talked about a gameplan, and he executed it really well the whole match," Ferrell said. "AJ played as well as he could but his opponent found another gear and took him down."
The Dutch (7-11, 2-1 American Rivers) have a big day of tennis Saturday starting with Wartburg College at 10 a.m. while also playing Morningside University at Pella High School at 2:30 p.m.
