ST. PETER, Minn. — It wasn't quite the conference-opener the Saint Mary's University women's tennis team was hoping for.
Gustavus — the reigning Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference regular-season champions — has not lost a step since its perfect 10-0 run through the conference schedule a year ago, dealing the Cardinals a 9-0 setback Saturday afternoon.
"What can I say?" said Saint Mary's coach
Jeff Halberg. "They are so deep and so talented — it's quite a program."
Saint Mary's gave the Gusties a battle in doubles play, falling 8-0, 8-5, and 8-2, but the Cardinals were no match for GAC in singles, managing to win just 12 games in the six matches.
Peyton Buerman (Shawano, Wis.) dropped a 6-2, 6-3 decision at No. four, but was the only SMU player to win more than one game.
The Cardinals (0-1 MIAC, 2-2 overall) are right back in action on Sunday, returning home to the Winona Tennis Center for a 4:30 p.m. conference match against Carleton.
