ROCHESTER, Minn. — It was a tale of two matches Saturday for Saint Mary's women's tennis (4-1, 0-1), as the Cardinals rolled to a 6-1 win over the University of Northwestern (0-5) (MN) before falling 7-0 to No. 35 Carleton College (6-0, 4-0) in their MIAC opener.

Saint Mary's 6, Northwestern 1

The Cardinals had to comeback after falling in the doubles opening points securing just one doubles win at No.3. 

In singles play, the Cardinals took control.

Elena Ruzevich earned a gritty three-set victory at No. 1, bouncing back after dropping the second set to secure the match in a super tiebreak. Emily Dondelinger claimed a long hard-fought straight-set win at No. 2, highlighted by a first-set tiebreak. Aheli Patel was dominant at No. 3 with a 6-4, 6-4 victory, while Taylor DePover cruised 6-3, 6-0 at No. 4. Molumby added another point at No. 5 with a 7-5, 6-4 decision, and Maddie Jensen capped the afternoon with a commanding 6-1, 6-1 win at No. 6.

The 6-1 team victory showcased depth throughout the lineup and strong closing performances in singles.

Carleton 7, Saint Mary's 0

Later in the evening, Saint Mary's opened conference play against No. 35 Carleton. The nationally-ranked Knights proved tough, sweeping doubles and carrying that momentum into singles play.

Ruzevich faced a challenging opponent at No. 1 singles, while Dondelinger, Molumby, Jensen, and the rest of the Cardinals lineup battled against a deep and experienced Carleton squad. Despite competitive stretches throughout the match, the Knights secured straight-set wins across the board to claim the 7-0 conference victory.

Saint Mary's moves forward after a split day and looks forward to hosting Crown College on Friday, Feb. 20 at 6:00 p.m.