Dan Bowser March 25, 2008

Truman State too much for Dutch

PELLA—In yet another major challenge on the Central College men’s tennis schedule, the Dutch were swept 9-0 in straight sets by Truman State (Mo.) Tuesday.

Central (5-8) put up its stiffest resistance at Nos. 2 and 3 doubles. Chris Bliss (senior, Ottumwa) and Justin Scherff (senior, Denison, Denison-Schleswig HS) fell 9-7 at No. 2 while Dan Bowser (freshman, Fort Dodge) and Nick Rohner (senior, Wichita, Kan., Kapaun Mt. Carmel HS) dropped an 8-6 decision at No. 3. But Truman State (6-2) dominated singles play.

“As I told the players, this was definitely a match that should have been much closer,” coach Bryan Mours said. “We had two matches in doubles where we were ahead fairly deep into the match and we didn’t close the deal. That was very disappointing and I think it led to a downhill slide in singles.”

Central, which recently returned from a spring break trip to southern California, has faced a series of high-quality foes.

“I did see some good things coming off of spring break,” Mours said. “We’re really just starting to climb the ladder towards the conference tournament. We just need to compete a bit harder sometimes. We’re going to get there.”

Homecoming in Fort Dodge--The Dutch make a quick turnaround, traveling to Fort Dodge Wednesday to take on Dordt College at 1 p.m. and Iowa Conference rival Buena Vista University at 4 p.m. They’ll play at the Dodger Courts at 10th Avenue North and 19th Street, the former home courts of three Central players. Central’s top two three players, senior Jared Feddersen, sophomore Luke Boyd and Bowser are from Fort Dodge.

Central also competed at Fort Dodge a year ago, scoring a 9-0 victory over Buena Vista before downing St. Mary’s (Minn.) 8-1 April 14.