FARGO, N.D. — The Saint Mary's University men's tennis team put up a gallant effort in its Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference match against Concordia.
 
Unfortunately, that effort was not enough, as Concordia — fueled by a fast start and wins in two of three singles matches extended to a third set — dealt the Cardinals an 8-1 setback Sunday at Courts Plus.
 
"I was really proud of the guys today," said Saint Mary's coach Jeff Halberg. "Concordia outplayed us in doubles, but the guys regrouped and really fought to the bitter end. The goal most definitely doesn't reflect the match."
 
The Cobbers took advantage of SMU's slow start in grabbing the early 3-0 lead, winning the three doubles matches 8-2, 8-5, and 8-4.
 
Trevor Smiley (Minnetonka, Minn.) picked up SMU's lone singles wins, outlasting CC's Hunter Rice 7-6 (3), 5-7, 10-6. Evan Huemoeller (Owatonna, Minn.) and Philip Apel (North Oaks, Minn.) weren't as fortunate in their three-set contests, with Huemoeller falling 6-3, 3-6, 13-11 at No. 1 and Apel falling 6-7 (8), 7-5, 10-6 at No. 6.
 
The Cardinals (0-3 MIAC, 5-8 overall) are back in action with a pair of conference matches next weekend. SMU will host Bethel in a 1:30 p.m. match at the Winona Tennis Center on Saturday, before heading to Baseline Tennis Center in Minneapolis, Minn., for a 2:30 p.m. MIAC showdown the following afternoon.