WINONA, Minn. — It wasn't the home final the Saint Mary's University women's tennis team was hoping for, but you certainly can't fault the Cardinals for lack of effort.
 
Saint Benedict dropped just eight games in racing out to a quick 3-0 lead, and the Bennies picked up right where they left off in singles in sweeping past the Cardinals 9-0 in SMU's final home regular season match of the season Friday at the Winona Tennis Center.
 
"Saint Benedict is a very talented team," said Saint Mary's coach Jeff Halberg. "We got behind the eight ball a bit in doubles and couldn't make up any ground in singles. We fought hard and gave them everything we can from start-to-finish, it just wasn't enough."
 
The Bennies kick things off with 8-3, 8-2, and 8-2 wins in the three doubles matches, and added straight-set victories at No. 1, 2, 4, 5, and 6 singles, with Elena Ruzevich (Chicago, Ill.) rallying from a set down, only to drop a 6-1, 4-6, 10-6 decision at No. 3.
 
The Cardinals (2-7 MIAC, 9-9 overall) close out their regular-season schedule on Saturday, heading to the Owatonna Indoor Courts in Owatonna, Minn., for a 12:30 p.m. MIAC showdown against St. Olaf.