It didn’t take the Albert Lea Tigers long to get back in hunt for the Big Nine Conference girls’ soccer crown.

The Tigers, tied for second with Rochester Mayo before falling to Owatonna last Thursday, picked up a huge victory with a 4-1 triumph over Mankato West at Hammer Field Saturday.

&uot;It’s a good one to get,&uot; said coach Todd Lange. &uot;It’s worth double points in the Big Nine, because we only play them once, and four points will help us considerably. Plus it’s a (game against a section opponent), which will help our seeding.&uot;

It improved the Tigers’ record to 5-3-3 overall and 4-2-3 in the Big Nine.

Sophomore Laura Hillman led the Tigers Saturday, playing a part in three of Albert Lea’s four goals.

Hillman scored the first goal, assisted by Amy Ravenhorst, and her corner kick set up Stacie Armstrong for the second score. It was 2-0 at halftime.

After the Scarlets cut it to 2-1, Hillman scored on an assist from Brie Woitas. Katie Dooley finished the scoring, drilling an unassisted goal from long range.