The shooting percentage was up for the Albert Lea High School girls’ basketball team.

But so were the turnovers.

The Tigers continued to struggle in the early season Tuesday night, falling 61-34 to Owatonna in a Big Nine game at ALHS.

Contrary to their first two games, when coach Karol Hansen was pleased with the turnover total, the Tigers gave up the ball about 20 times to Owatonna.

&uot;The turnovers were very costly,&uot; said Hansen. &uot;We did not handle the pressure of Owatonna’s press. We didn’t adjust to what they were doing. We kind of played into their defensive pressure rather than countering it.&uot;

But, Hansen said, that will happen with a team lacking in varsity experience, which the Tigers are, and a team lacking a winning tradition, which the Tigers also are.

&uot;When I look at it, yes, it would be nice to get a win just so these kids could believe it,&uot; said Hansen. &uot;Confidence is definitely a factor. We need to believe we can win before the start of the game.&uot;

The Tigers trailed from the start, with quarter scores of 17-7, 31-13 and 47-26.

Amy Ravenhorst led Albert Lea with 13 points. Jenny Hovendick scored seven, Jess Hanson five, Danielle Rankin five, Ashley Helgerson three, Vanessa Storlie two. Hanson and Rankin each had five rebounds.

&uot;We’re going to get some maturity as the season goes along, and I know it will make us better,&uot; said Hansen. &uot;We’re still young as far as varsity experience. We’re getting there, slowly but surely.&uot;

The Tigers play Friday at Mankato West.