Albert Lea hockey girls can't hold off Mayo

Staff

Published Wednesday, December 29, 2004

By Nathan Cooper, Tribune Sports Writer

Rochester Mayo topped the Albert Lea High School girls' hockey team 6-3 in the semifinal round of the Dodge County invitational tournament Tuesday. The Spartans overwhelmed the Tigers, outshooting Albert Lea 13-3 in the first period and 35-16 for the game.

Coach Jason Fornwald said the Spartans had the edge Tuesday night.

"We lost to a very skilled team," said Fornwald. "Mayo is deserving to play in the championship. They have a solid group of girls."

Mayo opened the scoring 6:34 into the first period, but Albert Lea made the most of what few shots they attempted. The Tigers bounced back on an unassisted goal by Tessa Christensen just under two minutes later to tie the game. The game remained 1-1 until late in the period, as the Spartans slipped their second goal past Kelli Hanson.

Albert Lea again tied the game at 5:05 after the first intermission as Tessa Christensen scored assisted by Amy Leach and Jenna Christensen.

Mayo came firing back, netting two goals in 1:13 as the Spartans pulled away. Albert Lea got its final goal from Karissa Lau to within one in the third period, but another score by Mayo sealed the Tigers' fate. Lau was assisted by Laura Hillman.

Mayo's final goal was an empty-netter as Albert Lea's record fell to 9-7 on the season. The Tigers will face New Ulm at 6 p.m. tonight in the consolation championship.

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