Coach Sherrie Gayken is confident the fielding will come around for the Albert Lea High School softball team.

Tuesday, April 09, 2002

Coach Sherrie Gayken is confident the fielding will come around for the Albert Lea High School softball team.

The bats are already there.

The Tigers totaled seven hits, including two for extra bases, but they committed five errors and lost their season opener 8-4 to Rochester John Marshall at Hammer Field Monday.

&uot;What killed us was errors,&uot; said Gayken. &uot;We’re inexperienced in the infield and we’ve practiced outside only twice, and one of those times we had to share the field. Our defense will be fine once we get some practice.&uot;

The offense was already fine.

&uot;I don’t like not coming out with a win, but I’m pleased with our aggressiveness at the plate,&uot; said Gayken. &uot;We made good contact.&uot;

The Tigers also spread the hits around. Jess Hanson was the only Tiger with more than one, going 2-for-3. Jenny Hovendick tripled. Danielle Jacobs hit a double. Ashley Chrz, Jerri Mondeel and Leah Boyer also hit safely.

Sophomore Nicole Rafdal made her varsity pitching debut, allowing seven hits and one walk while striking out four. The Rockets had three doubles.

Becky Grif went the distance for JM, walking one and fanning two.

The Tigers travel to Faribault for a Big Nine doubleheader Thursday at 4 p.m.

Rochester JM 8, Albert Lea 4

Rochester JM 020 212 1 – 8 7 3

Albert Lea 201 100 0 – 4 7 5

WP – Becky Grif

LP – Nicole Rafdal