HASTINGS, Minn. — A year ago, the Saint Mary's University of Minnesota men's golf team recorded its best round of the season during the season-ending Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Championships.
 
And Friday afternoon, the Cardinals picked up right where they left off, carding a 318 — on shot better than that season-best 319 total at last year's conference championships.
 
Unfortunately, as good as the Cardinals were, host Macalester was even better, shooting a team score of 300 to beat Saint Mary's 300-318 at the annual Mac/Mary Dual.
 
"With it being the first meet of the year, playing as many young players as we are, I think we did some very good things," said Saint Mary's coach Matt Johnson. "The players are not overly happy with their individual scores, but we scored better as a team than any time last season — and we know we all have a lot of room to improve.  All things considered.
 
"I am happy with the start."
 
Blake Westerberg (Red Wing, Minn.) led the way for the Cardinals, carding a 77, while freshman Brett Jackson (Edmonton, Alberta) also broke 80, firing a 79 in his first collegiate match. Owen Blakely (Elmhurst, Ill.) and Hunter Rau (Plainview, Minn.) each chipped in 81s and Connor Brandt (Woodbury, Minn.) rounded out the SMU top five with an 83.
 
Other Cardinals, playing as individuals and not counting in the final team score, included Hudson Stensgard (Rushford, Minn.) with a 78, David Iten (Fridley, Minn.) with an 85 and Thomas Garside (Vadnais Heights, Minn.) with a 95.
 
Macalester's Jack Buan earned medalist honors, carding a 73, one shot better than teammate Drew Gumlia
 
The Cardinals have a busy week next week, taking part in the Bethany Lutheran Invitational on Thursday in Jordan, Minn., before heading to Marion, Iowa, to compete in the Mount Mercy Cropper Classic.