The Albert Lea 18-and-under fast-pitch softball team split a doubleheader with Owatonna in recent action, winning the opener 5-4 while falling in game two 7-3.

Danielle Jacobs was the offensive leader in the first game, getting a double and a single. Nicole Rafdal, Jess Hanson and Leah Boyer singled. Jenny Hovendick walked twice and scored two runs.

Defensively, strong plays were turned in by Hanson with a double play at third base and Ashley Chrz with a diving catch in center field.

Rafdal pitched and got the win. She had two walks and one strikeout.

&uot;He had good defense and real solid hitting,&uot; said Albert Lea coach Emily Ulve.

Shaky defense led to defeat in the second game, according to Ulve.

&uot;We had some trouble in the field again,&uot; said the coach. &uot;But it was a good game anyway.&uot;

Chrz had a good game at the plate with a double and a single. Boyer also singled.

Steph Lackey pitched, walking one and striking out two. Hovendick had a strong defensive game at shortstop.

The locals host Blooming Prairie in a 6 p.m. doubleheader tonight at J.M. Snyder Fields.