WINONA, Minn. - The Martin Luther College men's tennis team opened the 2019 season with a 6-3 defeat at Saint Mary's University at the Winona Tennis Center on Friday.

The Knights fell behind 3-0 after doubles play with defeats by the scores of 8-2, 8-0 and 8-1, but made a strong comeback in singles competition.

MLC swept the numbers four, five and six singles matches thanks to wins by Jonah Schulz (5-7, 6-3, 1-0), Caleb Koelpin (6-4, 6-2) and Luke Meihack (6-3, 6-2). Nicolas Gartner also had a strong performance in number three singles, fall in three sets (6-1, 1-6, 10-8). The Cardinals took the top two singles matches in straight sets.

The victories by Schulz and Meihack marked the first singles wins of their careers.

The Knights fell to 0-1 to start the season in defeat, while SMU improved to 1-0.

MLC will return to action on Saturday, February 9, when it travels to Macalester for a match scheduled to start at 3:30 p.m.