If experience in close games counts for anything, the Albert Lea High School girls’ soccer team should be well prepared for the Section 2A tournament.

Wednesday, October 10, 2001

If experience in close games counts for anything, the Albert Lea High School girls’ soccer team should be well prepared for the Section 2A tournament.

The Tigers had their fourth tie of the year Tuesday, playing to a 3-3 draw with Rochester Mayo at Hammer Field in the final game of the regular season. Albert Lea finished fifth in the Big Nine at 4-5-3 and ran its overall record to 5-9-4.

&uot;It was a great way to end the season,&uot; said ALHS coach Todd Lange. &uot;It was a fun game to watch, and the girls played extremely well.&uot;

The teams played to a scoreless tie through most of the first half, with the Tigers getting on the board with 4:56 remaining on a goal by Amy Mark. Mariah Levisen assisted.

Marka scored about two minutes later on an assist from Brooke Plantage, putting the Tigers up 2-0 at halftime.

The Spartans pulled within a goal at 22 minutes of the second half, tying it with seven minutes left.

After a scoreless first five-minute overtime, Mayo took the lead 45 seconds into the second. Levisen headed in the tying goal with 51 seconds left off a throw-in by Laura Olson.

Liz Reynen was in goal as the Tigers were outshot 16-10.

Marka and Levisen were the stars of the night, according to Lange, who said Plantage also played well.

The Albert Lea junior varsity lost 2-0 while the ninth-grade team fell 1-0.

The Tigers open section play Saturday, hosting Northfield at 7 p.m. at Hammer Field.