DECORAH — Taking on the top team in the American Rivers Conference, the Central College women’s tennis team fell 5-0 at Luther College Thursday night in the league tournament semifinals.
           
The Dutch conclude their season at 10-12. Luther will host Coe College in the league title match on Saturday.
           
A slow start in doubles put Central behind from the start.
           
“We came out a little flat in doubles,” coach Ryun Ferrell said. “It was not good for us and Luther took advantage of it. Overall, as the night progressed, we started playing at the level were accustomed to playing and I like that.”
           
Needing just two of the singles matches for a team victory, the Norse won at No. 1 and No. 6 singles to conclude the night.
           
“Luther is better than we are right now,” Ferrell said. “One of these days we’ll figure out how to take them down. But for today they get to go on to the championship.”
           
Madi Whalen (sophomore, Kansas City, Mo., Park Hill HS) recorded a 6-1 win in the second set of her No. 2 singles match before her match was abandoned after the team competition was over.
           
“Madi’s really starting to figure some things out,” Ferrell said. “The thing about her is that she’s always tough. She’s going to do everything she can to find a way to win.”
           
Central graduates three seniors but returns five members of tonight’s lineup for next season.
           
“We’re going to miss Jenna Hernandez (Slater, Ballard HS), Alli Kreider (senior, Norwalk) and Brianna Lindstrom (senior, North Aurora, Ill., West Aurora HS),” Ferrell said. “They’ve added a lot to the team over the last four years. I think we do have some good talent coming back and got some pieces coming in that are going to help. We’ve got a chance to really make some noise.