FARIBAULT – The Albert Lea High School girls’ hockey team did what it had to against a tough crew from Park of Cottage Grove.

Friday, December 28, 2001

FARIBAULT – The Albert Lea High School girls’ hockey team did what it had to against a tough crew from Park of Cottage Grove.

If not for a two-minute span in the third period, it would have been enough.

The Tigers skated to a scoreless tie with the Wolfpack until 4:09 of the third period, when Park of Cottage Grove scored three times in two minutes. Albert Lea went on to lose 4-1 in the championship game of Faribault’s holiday tournament Thursday night.

It was, according to coach Mike Miller, a big improvement from Wednesday night’s 3-2 overtime victory over Waseca in the semifinals.

&uot;We played just well enough to win against Waseca,&uot; said Miller. &uot;We knew, playing a Twin Cities team, we would have to play a little different style of hockey – more physical and tough on our skates – and we were. It’s been a while since we played a team like this and the team responded well.&uot;

All of Park’s goals came from point-blank range on defensive breakdowns, according to Miller. The Tigers were outshot 29-15.

Brittany Arendt scored for the Tigers.

Arendt and Amy Leach played a strong game, according to Miller, as did defensive players Jasey Porter, Frances O’Donnell, Karissa Lau and Christine Tubbs.

Laura Hillman, Leach and Arendt scored against Waseca, with assists going to O’Donnell, Hillman and Leach. Albert Lea outshot Waseca 31-14.

The Albert Lea junior varsity won 10-1 Wednesday and 5-2 Thursday, improving its record to 7-2.

The Tigers, 8-4 overall, are off until next Thursday when they host Mankato East.