OWATONNA – The season is still very young and coach Karol Hansen still feels there’s plenty of potential for the Albert Lea High School girls’ basketball team.

Wednesday, December 05, 2001

OWATONNA – The season is still very young and coach Karol Hansen still feels there’s plenty of potential for the Albert Lea High School girls’ basketball team.

But Tuesday was a struggle.

The Tigers, who won big in their season opener at Waseca, began Big Nine play at Owatonna and lost 65-39.

&uot;We didn’t play with as much confidence or patience as we need to win a Big Nine game,&uot; said Hansen.

The Tigers fell behind early and trailed 21-10, 39-23 and 65-39 at the breaks.

Owatonna, a perennial conference contender, held the Tigers to 13 of 54 field goals and 25 rebounds. The Tigers made 12 of 27 free throws and had 25 turnovers, 16 in the first half.

&uot;We definitely have to shoot better, rebound better and take better care of the ball,&uot; said Hansen. &uot;Defensively, it was not a very good showing either.&uot;

Jenny Vanderploeg led the Tigers with 10 points. Beth Kolling scored eight, Ashley Rankin five, Danielle Rankin four, Jenny Hovendick three, Amy Ravenhorst three, Aubree Page two, Vanessa Storlie two and Danielle Jacobs two.

&uot;The potential’s still there,&uot; said Hansen. &uot;I know this group can have one of the better seasons we’ve had in a while.&uot;

The Tigers host Mankato West Friday.