Match Summary

LA CROSSE, Wis. — It was a good news, bad news type of season opener for the Saint Mary's University volleyball team.

The good news — a 3-1 win over Edgewood in the first match of the UW-La Crosse Invitational Friday evening.

The bad news _ a 3-0 loss to host UW-L in match No. 2.

"I didn't think we played as well as we are capable in either match," said SMU coach Mike Lester. "It was nice to see us shake the rust off (after dropping the first game of the opening match) and come up with the win against Edgewood. But overall, I thought we could have played better in both matches."

Amy Benz (Oshkosh, Wis.) led the way for the Cardinals in their 15-30, 30-16, 30-22, 30-15 win over Edgewood, collecting 13 kills and seven blocks. Lisa Engdahl (North Branch, Minn.) chipped in 13 kills and 13 digs, while Megan Roesler (St. Paul, Minn.) added 10 kills and eight blocks and Michelle Mino (Austin, Minn.) dished out 38 assists

Against the Eagles, currently ranked 14th in the AVCA preseason poll, the Cardinals were led by Molli Dant's (Forest City, Iowa) 9 kills and 14 digs, and Theresa Perrini's (Fairway, Kan.) 13 digs.

"La Crosse is a very good team," said Lester. "They are ranked No. 14 in the country for a reason. I didn't think we played up to our potential, but even at our best, it would have been tough to beat them.

"I think we got off on the right foot tonight — but we've still got a ways to go."