A few too many putts cost the Albert Lea High School girls’ golf team its second victory of the season.

The Tigers struggled on the greens &045; particularly the No. 9 green &045; and finished third in a Big Nine triangular at Albert Lea Country Club Thursday. Winona had 197 strokes for nine holes, Mankato East 213 and Albert Lea 215.

&uot;It was kind of disappointing because we could have improved our record on this one,&uot; said Tigers coach Shawn Riebe. &uot;Mankato East was beatable. We just didn’t finish our putts well and fell short by two strokes.&uot;

Brie Woitas led the Tigers with a 51. Kaeli Wayne shot 53 and Catie Rebelein 55. Laura Ellingson, Ali Arnold and April Heilman all shot 56.

Riebe said it was also a disappointing day for the junior varsity, which had 245 to take third.

Overall, Riebe reported improvement in the Tigers’ play.

&uot;I think the girls felt good about their game tonight,&uot; he said. &uot;They just didn’t score. We had a lot of three, four, five putts. But we’re striking the ball a lot better. If we can start making some putts, hopefully we can finish on a positive note and start strong next year.&uot;

The Tigers play in the 10-team Fairmont Invitational Saturday.