WINONA, Minn. — The Saint Mary's University of Minnesota women's golf team followed the men's team's lead on Friday, as the Cardinals — like their male counterparts — picked up where they left off at the end of last season.
 
After shooting a season-best 389 at the season-ending Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Championships last year, the Cardinals shaved 12 strokes off that score in their season-opening dual-match against Macalester Friday.
 
But not even the Cardinals best would be good enough against the Scots, as Macalester got a medalist round of Jessica Yost and handed Saint Mary's a 344-377 setback in the teams' 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."
 
Jennie Marx (Austin, Minn.) led the way for the Cardinals, carding a career-best round of 90. Madison Gately (Glenview, Ill.) added a 93, while Kortney Wobbe (Wabasha, Minn.) and Paula Avila (Weslaco, Texas) chipped in 97s and Tiarra Thompson (Jonesboro, Ga.) finished with a 108. Kaitlin Kling (LeRoy, Minn.) and Kelsey Stenzel (Wabasha, Minn.), competing as individuals, finished with rounds of 91 and 101, respectively.
 
The Cardinals have a busy week next week, squaring off against Bethany Lutheran in a dual on Thursday in Jordan, Minn., before heading to Waverly, Iowa, to compete in the Wartburg Invitational.