DAVENPORT — A dominant effort up and down the lineup resulted in a 7-0 victory for the Central College women’s tennis team over St. Ambrose University Friday.
Central (8-9) recorded their second team shutout of the season against the Bees (4-10)
“We took care of business pretty good,” coach Ryun Ferrell said. “I don’t remember the last time we beat St. Ambrose this badly. It was a solid day for the Dutch.”
Playing under NAIA rules, the Dutch earned one point by winning all three doubles matches to start the contest. The No. 1 doubles team of Emma Murphy (freshman, Liberty, Mo.) and Lauren Gano (freshman, Johnston) won 6-1. The No. 2 team of Jenna Mitsuko Mahoney (sophomore, Misawa, Japan, Robert D. Edgren HS) and Becca Vala (junior, Omaha, Neb., Elkhorn HS) won 6-3. Jennifer Larson (junior, Johnston) and Madi Whalen (sophomore, Kansas City, Mo., Park Hill HS) won 6-2 at No. 3.
“We came out of the blocks fast in doubles,” Ferrell said. “We set the tone right away.”
Jenna Hernandez (senior, Slater, Ballard HS) was a 6-3, 6-3 winner at No. 1 singles, playing against a player that Ferrell said has given other players in the league trouble.
“That’s some of the best tennis I’ve seen Julia play,” Ferrell said.
Gano was the only singles player to not win in straight sets, battling for a 6-0, 3-6, 1-0 win at No. 6 singles.
“Lauren looked great in the first set,” Ferrell said. “Going from outside to inside is not the easiest transition and sometimes your footwork is going to leave you a little bit. Give credit to Lauren because she was able to rebound and win the super breaker.”
Whalen won 6-2, 6-4 at No. 2 singles. Mahoney won 6-0, 6-4 at No. 3, Vala won 6-0, 6-0 at No. 4 and Murphy won 6-1, 6-0 at No. 5.
Central travels to Indianola Sunday for an 11 a.m. match against Simpson College.
