NEW ULM – The New Ulm girls’ hockey teams are usually big, strong and physical and, in the past, the Eagles’ style of play has caused some problems for the Albert Lea Tigers.

Wednesday, November 28, 2001

NEW ULM – The New Ulm girls’ hockey teams are usually big, strong and physical and, in the past, the Eagles’ style of play has caused some problems for the Albert Lea Tigers.

This year it was no problem.

The Tigers overcame a slow start and came from behind to win 4-1 at New Ulm Tuesday night.

&uot;It was a gritty win,&uot; said ALHS coach Mike Miller. &uot;We fell behind, fought back and won a tough game. It shows a lot about the girls’ character. We needed a win like this and we got it. It’s the most physical game we’ve played.&uot;

Both teams were sluggish early in the game and, despite an 8-6 Albert Lea edge in shots in the first period, New Ulm probably had the best scoring chances. But Tigers goalie Danika Porter kept it scoreless.

&uot;She played a very solid game,&uot; said Miller. &uot;She kept us in it in the first period. We gave up a couple partial breakaways, and she made the save and smothered the rebound. New Ulm had only one or two other chances the whole game. She played fabulous.&uot;

The Eagles, though, managed a 1-0 lead with a breakaway goal at 3:23 of the second period.

Tessa Christensen set up Laura Hillman with the tying score at the 8:58 mark and, at 11:50, the pair connected again.

Eighth-grader Heather Bagley scored unassisted at 10:40 of the third, getting her second goal in as many games. Hillman’s hat trick goal came at 12:47, assisted by Lacy Oyer.

The Tigers outshot the Eagles 30-20.

&uot;In the first period we were just a little bit off,&uot; said Miller, whose team improved to 3-1 with its third victory in a row. &uot;In the second, we started to pick it up and began to pull away. Bagley’s goal in the third period was huge.&uot;

The Tigers have what Miller called a huge game Thursday, when they travel to face defending Section 1AA champion Owatonna.