PELLA, IOWA (February 24, 2025) — Playing higher competition, the Central College men's tennis team lost two matches Saturday.
"I love playing out-of-division competition early in the season. It is tough, and our team had to dig deep in these matches," coach Ryun Ferrell said. "Our team responded well, including some athletes that were sick, but this group fought, and we played great despite the losses."
In its opening match the Dutch lost to Division II Quincy University (Illinois) seven/zip. Quincy won the doubles point taking two of the matches. Alex Slaymaker (sophomore, Geneseo, Illinois) and Travis Subbert (sophomore, McKinney, Texas, North HS) were able to snag a win at N° 2 doubles.
In the singles matches Ernest Alvarez Chedzoy (sophomore, Kerrville, Texas, Tivy HS) was the lone Dutch athlete to win a set.
In the second match of the day Central lost five to two to NAIA Concordia University (Nebraska).
Concordia was able to sweep the doubles matches. Jack Briggs and Benny Ramker were able to force a tie-break but ended up falling eight to six.
In the singles matches AJ Wilkins (senior, Grinnell) secured a six/zip, two/six, and ten/seven win at N° 2 singles, and Alvarez Chedzoy picked up a win after his opponent had to retire in the first set.
"Wilkins won a great match," Ferrell said. "It’s not easy to get momentum back after losing the second set but he responded well. Alvarez Chedzoy looked good all day."
The Dutch return to the court when Cornell College comes to HS Kuyper Fieldhouse Sunday at noon.
