NEW ULM – Earlier this season, the New Ulm Eagles came to the City Arena and handed the Albert Lea High School girls’ hockey team a 5-4 overtime loss.

Friday, December 24, 1999

NEW ULM – Earlier this season, the New Ulm Eagles came to the City Arena and handed the Albert Lea High School girls’ hockey team a 5-4 overtime loss.

The Tigers were more than happy to return the favor.

The Tigers traveled to New Ulm Tuesday night and beat the Eagles 2-1 in overtime.

&uot;It was very exciting,&uot; said ALHS coach Mike Miller. &uot;We always have a good game with New Ulm. It was nice to get back at them for the overtime loss here. We played much better defense this time.&uot;

The only scoring in regulation came in the first minute of play.

Katie Riemer netted the first goal just 22 seconds into the game, putting a rebound shot over the goalie. Tessa Christensen assisted.

&uot;It was a very good goal,&uot; said Miller. &uot;From being in the right place at the right time.&uot;

The Eagles tied it just 35 seconds later. Sara Schewe made the initial save, but the puck caromed off her glove and bounced off the back of her helmet and into the net.

The Eagles outshot the Tigers 26-18 through the rest of regulation, with Schewe making several nice saves behind a strong defensive effort.

&uot;The girls maintained their composure throughout the whole game,&uot; said Miller. &uot;There was one stretch in the second period when it seemed like New Ulm had the puck in our zone for an eternity. They didn’t score because we didn’t panic. We played well enough to win is what it amounted to.&uot;

Both teams put three shots on goal in overtime, with Brittany Arendt netting the gamewinner at the 4:15 mark. Amy Leach assisted.

For the game, New Ulm outshot Albert Lea 29-21.

&uot;We didn’t play poorly, but we didn’t play our best game,&uot; said Miller. &uot;We didn’t give up. That was a major key to this game. We just hung in there.&uot;

It was the second win in the last three games for the Tigers, who compete in the Faribault Invitational Tuesday and Wednesday. They’ll face Red Wing at 5:30 Tuesday in the opening round. If they win, they’ll play in the championship game at 7:30 Wednesday against Faribault or Waseca. If they lose in the opening round, the Tigers will play for the consolation title at 5:30 Wednesday.