PELLA— The Central College men's tennis team opened up the American Rivers Conference tournament with a 4-2 win against Loras College.
The Dutch (12-13, 6-2 American Rivers) jumped out to a lead early securing the doubles point after just two matches. The freshman duo
Jack Briggs (Pella) and
Benny Ramker (Waverly, Waverly-Shell Rock HS) finished first winning 6-0 at No. 2 doubles and the senior duo of
Ayden Fletcher (Waukee) and
AJ Wilkins (Grinnell) followed with a 6-4 win at No. 1.
Travis Subbert (sophomore, McKinney, Texas, North HS) and
Alex Slaymaker (sophomore, Geneseo, Ill.) were tied 5-5 in their set, but didn't finish due to the point already being clinched.
"It was an exciting match, and we played tough," said coach
Ryun Ferrell. "Our doubles teams looked good."
In the singles matches Wilkins won at No. 3 6-1, 6-1 and Ramker won 6-0, 6-2 to extend the team lead.
"Wilkins and Ramker both looked really good on the court," Ferrell said.
After Loras took matches at No. 1 and No. 5
Ernest Alvarez Chedzoy (sophomore, Kerrville, Texas, Tivy HS) won his match at No. 6 6-3, 7-6 (7-2) to clinch the match.
"Ernest was in control of the match and he was able to secure the win," said Ferrell.
Briggs's match at No. 2 was unfinished after the first set due to the match already being clinched.
The Dutch advance to the semifinals and will travel to Cedar Rapids to take on Coe College Thursday at 4 p.m.
