Although the Albert Lea High School girls’ hockey team won its previous game, coach Mike Miller and his staff were not completely satisfied.

Wednesday, December 12, 2001

Although the Albert Lea High School girls’ hockey team won its previous game, coach Mike Miller and his staff were not completely satisfied. They felt the Tigers played down to the level of a lesser-talented Luverne squad. And they didn’t want it to happen again.

&uot;Before the game, we talked a little about Luverne and the fact we didn’t play three full periods,&uot; said Miller. &uot;We talked about the fact that good teams force their opponents to play to their level. Poor teams play to the level of their opponents.

&uot;Tonight, we came out and worked extremely hard the whole game.&uot;

The result was a 6-2 Big Nine victory over Faribault at the City Arena Tuesday.

It was a big win because the Tigers face a tough Big Nine foe Thursday, when they travel to Rochester John Marshall.

&uot;We needed a good win under our belt before we played JM,&uot; said Miller.

The Tigers killed a pair of early penalties before getting on the scoreboard at the 8:07 mark, when seventh-grader Sarah Jensen scored unassisted.

Tessa Christensen made it 2-0 with an unassisted score at 11:24.

Christensen, a freshman forward, opened the second-period scoring at 2:14, assisted by Laura Hillman. Jill Woodside made it 4-0 at 4:57 with Karissa Lau assisting.

The Falcons’ Piper Putrah scored unassisted at 2:28 of the third.

Hillman got her second goal at 7:16, assisted by Christine Tubbs.

Allissa Breu scored for Faribault at 14:21, with assists going to Allie Anthony and Kemi Peterson.

Danika Porter was again in goal for the Tigers, who outshot the Falcons 26-17. Both teams had three power plays.

&uot;Our forechecking was good, we hustled after the puck and I’m happy with the way we moved the puck,&uot; said Miller. &uot;We played like a team. The girls came out tonight and earned this victory.&uot;

The win improved the Tigers to 5-2 overall and 3-2 in the Big Nine. They play Thursday at 5:45 at Rochester.