By DONNY NADEAU
Saint Mary's Sports Information Director
 
WINONA, Minn. — After outlasting UW-Superior in a five-set marathon to open the season Friday afternoon, the Saint Mary's University volleyball team's second match of the day needed just three sets.
 
Which was not good new for coach Jackie Kiecker and the Cardinals.
 
The University of Dubuque — coming off an NCAA national tournament appearance a year ago ­— grabbed the momentum early and the Cardinals never recovered in falling to the Spartans 3-0 during the opening day of the Ground Round Sugar Loaf Classic.
 
The Spartans took an early 1-0 lead with a 25-16 win in Set 1, before holding off a Saint Mary's charge for a 25-22 win in the second set. UD completed the sweep, dominating the Cardinals in the third set, 25-12.
 
Linnaea Wallis (Dresser, Wis.) — coming off her first career double-double of 17 kills and 17 digs against UW-Superior — finished with nine kills and 14 digs against the Spartans, while Lillian Braun (Mantorville, Minn.) delivered 24 assists and DeJaye Baab (Wabasha, Minn.) owned a team-best 20 digs.
 
Darby Hawtrey recorded 13 kills, while Kate Messino added 22 assists and 12 digs for the University of Dubuque.
 
The Cardinals (1-1 overall) are back in action on Saturday, concluding the two-day home tournament with matches against UW-River Falls (noon) and Luther (2 p.m.).