WINONA, Minn. — The Saint Mary’s University men’s and women’s tennis teams got a first-hand look at one of the preseason favorites in the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Saturday afternoon, as Carleton handed the Cardinal men and women back-to-back 9-0 conference setbacks in the teams’ season openers at the Winona Tennis Center.“
The men quickly learned why Carleton were ranked at the top of the conference in preseason polls,” said SMU coach Jeff Halberg. “We have a young and talented squad, but we still have some work to do to realize our potential.
“Still, there were some real positives — the first doubles match was absolutely fantastic, and everyone put in a hard day's work,” Halberg added. “Our outlook for the season remains positive.”
Michael Lunka and
Jack Schway gave Carleton’s No. 1 doubles team of Colin Russell and Paul Cooper all they could handle, before falling 9-8. SMU’s other two doubles teams, however, didn’t fare nearly as well, with both falling 8-0.
The Knights made quick work of the Cardinal men in singles, winning all six matches in straight sets.
On the women’s side,
Rebecca Snyder suffered her first collegiate loss, dropping a hard-fought 6-7, 6-4, 10-6 loss to Bridget Doyle. The Knights swept through the other five singles matches, while completing the 9-0 run with three straight doubles victories.
“Carleton’s depth on the women’s side was evident, but I thought we put up a good battle,” Halberg said. “Rebecca's singles match was a battle from start to finish, going over two hours all told.
“Though Carleton was too much for us today, I am sure the team will be well prepared in the matches to come.”