WINONA, Minn. – The Saint Mary's men's tennis team (1-3, 0-1) opened the 2026 season with a full slate of action, playing three matches over two days and finishing the weekend with a 1-2 record.

The Cardinals kicked things off Saturday with an impressive 6-1 victory over Martin Luther (0-1), picking up their first win of the season. Saint Mary's set the tone early by sweeping all three doubles matches. 

Gavin Pratt and Michael Johnson earned a convincing win at No. 1 doubles, followed by victories from Zak Farley and Kanyon Hicks at No. 2 and Owen Fonder and Paul Havemeier at No. 3.

That momentum carried into singles play, where the Cardinals won five of six matches. Farley secured a hard-fought win at No. 1 singles, while Pratt, Johnson, and Havemeier each collected straight-set victories. Fonder closed out the match with a win at No. 6 to seal the team result.

Saint Mary's returned to the court later that evening, facing Lawrence University (2-2), where the Cardinals dropped a 6-1 decision. The highlight of the match came at No. 2 singles, as Pratt battled through a competitive opening set that was decided in a tiebreak before earning Saint Mary's lone point.

On Sunday, the Cardinals wrapped up the weekend by hosting their first conference opponent, Carleton College (6-0, 3-0). Saint Mary's battled throughout the match but fell to the Knights. 

The closest contest came at No. 1 doubles, where Farley and Johnson pushed their opponents before coming up short in a 6-3 decision.

After a busy opening weekend, the Cardinals will return to action on Friday, Jan. 30, when they host nonconference opponent Concordia Wisconsin for a 6:00 p.m. match.