By DONNY NADEAU
Saint Mary's Sports Information Director
 
WINONA, Minn. — They may have sported the same nickname, but when the Saint Mary's University of Minnesota men's tennis team took the court against the Knights for the second day in a row, there was no comparison.
 
Less than 24 hours after dispatching of their first Knight opponent — Martin Luther — 6-3 in their season opener, the Cardinals kicked off Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference play against Knights No. 2, nationally ranked Carleton.
 
And the Cardinals got a first-hand look at why Carleton sported a No. 30 nationally ranking, as the Knights cruised to a 9-0 conference win at the Winona Tennis Center.
 
"A little different story today," said Saint Mary's men's tennis coach Jeff Halberg. "They guys competed well throughout, but we played a team about 400 spots higher in the rankings than we are.
 
"We are improving, and that's the key."
 
Carleton raced out to a quick 3-0 lead after doubles play, dropping just six games in winning 8-0, 8-3, and 8-3. It was more of the same in singles, as the high-powered Knights posted six straight-set victories.
 
The Cardinals (0-1 MIAC, 1-1 overall) are back in action next Friday, entertaining Northwestern (Minn.) in a 6 p.m. nonconference match at the Winona Tennis Center.