OWATONNA &045; Coach Sean Gillam was looking for an improved showing from the Albert Lea High School girls’ tennis team and he got it.

The Tigers, who lost 7-0 in their first two dual meets, opened their Big Nine Conference schedule at Owatonna and took two matches from the Huskies in a 5-2 setback.

&uot;We played a lot better tonight,&uot; said Gillam.

The wins were by Karen Leonard, 6-0, 6-2 at No. 2 singles, and the No. 1 doubles team of Ashley Helgerson and Nicole Rafdal; they won 6-3, 2-6, 6-1.

Nicole Merfeld and Elizabeth Schreiber also went to three sets at No. 3 doubles. Amanda Rose and Kristin Wolff lost 7-5, 6-2 at No. 2 doubles.

Becky Birkhofer was at first singles, with Jasey Porter and eighth-grader Elizabeth Thompson and No. 3 and 4 singles, respectively.

The Tigers host Mankato West Thursday.