MANKATO – Most of the Albert Lea High School girls’ tennis team started slow Tuesday.

Wednesday, September 19, 2001

MANKATO – Most of the Albert Lea High School girls’ tennis team started slow Tuesday.

By the time they got up to speed, they were too far behind.

The Tigers looked a little sluggish, according to coach Sean Gillam, while falling 7-0 in a Big Nine meet at Mankato East.

&uot;We came out a little flat,&uot; said Gillam. &uot;You could tell we were tired on the bus. We started to come back in the second set, but by then it was too late.&uot;

Becky Birkhofer put up the biggest battle, going the distance at No. 4 singles while falling 7-5, 6-7 (5-7), 6-3.

&uot;Becky did a great job,&uot; said Gillam. &uot;It was cold out, she played a long time, and she was getting a sore elbow.&uot;

Danielle Jacobs – the lone Tiger to start strong – dropped a 6-4, 6-2 decision at No. 1 singles. Elizabeth Schreiber lost 6-0, 6-0 at No. 2, Karen Leonard fell 6-2, 6-2 at No. 3.

Nicole Rafdal and Ashley Helgerson had the closest doubles match, losing at No. 2 6-1, 7-5 (7-3). The No. 1 duo of Mandy Blenka and Jasey Porter lost 6-0, 6-4 while Nicole Merfeld and Amanda Rose lost 6-1, 6-3 at No. 3.

The Tigers, 2-3 in the Big Nine and 2-5 overall, host a strong Austin team Thursday at 4:30 on the Southwest courts.