Central scores sweep in spring tennis opener

Central College

WAVERLY—Behind a comeback tiebreaker win from Collin Schares (sophomore, Johnston), the Central College men’s tennis team rolled up a season-opening 9-0 victory over Edgewood College (Wis.) Sunday.

Schares lost an opening-set lead but rebounded for a 7-6 second-set win before capturing the No. 3 singles match with a 10-8 decision in the tiebreaker.

“Collin was able to hang on, change the momentum and grind that match out,” coach Steve Tyler said. “It showed good mental toughness on his part and that’s what we need to do—win the close ones. We didn’t need the win today to get the team victory, but it’ll definitely help later in the season.”

Tim Kahl (sophomore, Grinnell) snared a 6-0, 6-0 sweep at No. 4 while Zane Hendricks (junior, Fort Dodge) gained a 6-0, 6-1 win at No. 5. At the top of the lineup, Kyle Freischlag (junior, Downers Grove, Ill., Downers Grove South HS) won 6-0, 6-2 at No. 1 while West Adelman (freshman, Geneva, Ill.) took a 6-0, 6-3 victory at No. 2. Pat Daly (senior, Shawnee, Kan., Shawnee Mission NW HS) won by forfeit at No. 6.

“Everybody played hot, up and down the lineup,” Tyler said. “It was a nice way to start the spring season.”

In doubles action, Freischlag and Adelman paired for an 8-0 shutout at No. 1 and Kahl and John Seier (junior, Waverly, Neb.) teamed for an 8-4 win at No. 2. Hendricks and Josh Forst (sophomore, Woodridge, Ill., Downers Grove South HS) won by default at No. 3.

Central (1-0 spring, 3-0 overall) makes a home appearance next Saturday, meeting Morningside College at 9 a.m. before facing Knox College (Ill.) at 3:30 p.m at H.S. Kuyper Fieldhouse.