One of the goals for the 2002 Albert Lea High School girls’ golf team was to be competitive in the Big Nine.

Tuesday, April 16, 2002

One of the goals for the 2002 Albert Lea High School girls’ golf team was to be competitive in the Big Nine.

So far, so good.

The Tigers almost knocked off Rochester Mayo in the season opener Monday, falling by one stroke at Albert Lea Country Club. The Spartans had 380 for 18 holes, the Tigers 381.

&uot;The girls were real excited to break 400,&uot; said first-year Tigers head coach Gina Eppen. &uot;They weren’t sure if they broke 400 last year. Obviously, we’re disappointed with the loss. But we wanted to improve and be competitive in the Big Nine, and this is about as competitive as you can get.&uot;

The Tigers’ scores: Kari Nelson 91, Hayley Westney 95, Shawna Mummert 97, Brie Woitas 98, Amie Hartman 104, Catie Rebelein 113.

&uot;It was the first 18-hole round for the girls this year,&uot; said Eppen. &uot;They did a nice job.&uot;

The junior varsity won 233-245 for nine holes. Betsy Paulson shot 56, Katie Demmer 57.

The Tigers travel to face Rochester Century at Northern Hills Friday.