Central overpowered in early women’s tennis team action

Central College

CEDAR RAPIDS — A young Central College women’s tennis squad struggled against strong Iowa Conference opponents in season-opening action.

Freshman Anna Striegel (Cedar Rapids, Cedar Rapids Jefferson HS) notched Central’s lone win as the Dutch fell to Coe College 9-0 in the morning before suffering an 8-1 loss to Cornell College in the afternoon.

“We battled,” said coach Steve Tyler. “Coe and Cornell are two teams that will compete for the top of the Iowa Conference.”

Central’s lineup featured three freshmen against Coe (2-0, 2-0 conference). Emily Swartz (senior, Eldora, South Hardin HS) played at No. 1 singles and fell to Michelle Schupbach 6-1, 6-0. Joining Swartz in number one doubles action was Kayla Donner (senior, Metamora, Ill., Metamora Township HS) and the duo was defeated 8-1.

Coming back against Cornell (3-0, 2-0 conference) in the afternoon, Striegel took her match against Ellie Purdy 6-2, 6-2 at number five singles.

“She played very well,” said Tyler. “She had a good day.”

Tyler hopes Saturday’s early-season experience will serve his squad well in the coming weeks.

“The takeaway is that it’s very early in the season,” he said. “We gained a lot of valuable experience today.”

Central (0-2, 0-2 conference) returns to action Thursday, traveling to Lamoni for a non-conference match at Graceland Univ. at 4 p.m.