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MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. — The Saint Mary's University women's tennis team got off to a roaring start in its “day-night” doubleheader Saturday, as the Cardinals cruised to a 8-1 nonconference win over Northwestern at the Lakeville Liftetime Fitness.

The “night” portion of the twinbill didn't quite go as planned, however, as St. Thomas handed the Cardinals a 6-3 setback in the teams' Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference match at the University of Minnesota Baseline Tennis Center.

“The ladies got off to a great start (against Northwestern), but just couldn't quite get over the hump against St. Thomas,” said SMU coach Jeff Halberg. “Our 'never-say-die' attitude kept (the St. Thomas) match close right to the end.”

The Cardinals swept the three doubles matches in their first match against Northwestern, then picked up straight-set wins from Bailey Edwards (Fond du Lac, Wis.), Rebecca Snyder (Eden Prairie, Minn.), Abby Voigt (Burnsville, Minn.), Grace Zachman (Elk River, Minn.) and Deanne Webber (Reedsburg, Wis.) in singles action en route to the easy win.

Against the Tommies, Edwards and Snyder picked up their second No. 1 doubles win of the day, but SMU headed into the singles portion of the match down 2-1. Edwards completed her perfect 4-for-4 day with a 6-3, 6-3 win at No. 1 singles, while Killian Edwards (Fond du Lac, Wis.) accounted for the Cardinals' other win with a 6-3, 7-6 victory at No. 3 singles.

“Bailey had an exceptional day all around,” praised Halberg. “Killian also had a great win at No. 3 singles against St. Thomas, playing great attacking tennis throughout the match.

“Our women were absolutely exhausted from their effort — we truly left it all out there today.”

The Cardinals are back in action on Friday, hosting St. Olaf in a 4 p.m. conference match at the Winona Tennis Center.