In game one, the Albert Lea High School volleyball team had some success blocking Austin’s middle hitter.

Wednesday, October 10, 2001

In game one, the Albert Lea High School volleyball team had some success blocking Austin’s middle hitter. But the Tigers had problems scoring. Games two and three were just the opposite.

It added up to a 3-0 loss for the Tigers, who fell 15-5, 15-12, 15-13 in the ALHS gym Tuesday night.

&uot;We just were a little slow tonight,&uot; said Tigers coach Gina Eppen. &uot;We didn’t put up the defense we needed to. Austin deserved to beat us tonight.&uot;

It was senior night for the Tigers, meaning all the seniors saw playing time after being introduced before the match.

According to Eppen, the Tigers’ best defense came in the opening game.

&uot;We started out blocking real well,&uot; said Eppen. &uot;We were able to stop their middle hitter pretty well. But she made some adjustments in games two and three, and we had some problems containing her.&uot;

The Tigers served four aces, going 44-for-49 at the line.

Aubree Page and Whitney Sorensen both had five kills to lead the Tigers offensively. Page also had two blocks and six digs while Sorensen added eight blocks and three digs.

Other Albert Lea statistical leaders: Jenny Vanderploeg, five kills, one block, 13 digs; Beth Kolling, nine set assists, five blocks, five digs; Ashley Rankin, four assists, two digs, one ace.

The loss dropped the Tigers to 7-12 overall and 1-6 in the Big Nine. They make the long trip to Winona Thursday for a Big Nine match.