Spring opens with loss for Central women’s tennis team
Central College
PELLA — Coming out of winter hibernation, the Central College women’s tennis team nearly pulled off a win to start its spring season before falling 5-4 Saturday against Purdue Univ.-Northwest (Ind.).
Including the fall season, Central’s overall record for the year is now 7-4.
“They looked great after just a week of practice,” coach Ryun Ferrell said. “They were disappointed because they want to be playing as good as they were in October. I told them we’re going to catch back up soon enough.”
Studying abroad during the fall season, Kari Grindberg (junior, Fort Dodge) burst back onto the scene with a 6-2, 6-2 win at No. 5 singles.
“Once she settled down, she really took it to her opponent,” Ferrell said. “She still hates losing more than she likes winning.”
A smothering performance at No. 3 doubles resulted in a 8-2 win for Madison Krumm (freshman, Grinnell) and Jenna Stewart (junior, Burlington/Notre Dame HS). Stewart also was victorious at No. 4 singles 6-4, 6-2.
“They looked real good in doubles together,” Ferrell said. “Jenna took care of business in singles, as well.”
Both Central’s women’s and men’s squads are headed south for spring break March 11-18. The teams will be practicing all week at Baylor University’s Hurd Tennis Center, the school’s $6 million facility was cited as the nation’s top college venue by Tennis Magazine in 2015. The Dutch will play Mary Hardin-Baylor in Belton on Monday, March 13 and Concordia Univ. (Texas) in Austin on Thursday, March 16.
“I’m looking forward to going to Waco,” Ferrell said. “The men’s coach is a friend of mine and he’s letting us use all 12 courts for practice. It should be great weather for us to practice all week and face some good competition.”
