MANKATO &045; It may have been a loss for the Albert Lea High School softball team, but it was also a step in the right direction with the section tournament looming next week.

The Tigers played one of their best games of the year against one of the strongest opponents they’ll face, falling 2-0 in a Big Nine game at Mankato East Thursday. The Cougars are tied with Austin for the conference lead and are seeded No. 1 in their section.

&uot;We played a real good game, except for the fifth inning,&uot; said Tigers coach Rick Harves.

That’s when the Tigers committed four of their six errors, leading to two unearned runs for East.

The Tigers had their chances offensively, matching the Cougars’ seven hits but twice stranding baserunners on third.

&uot;We just couldn’t get that hit to get those runners in, or it could have been a different game,&uot; said Harves.

The Cougars played errorless defense while the Tigers struck out eight times and walked once.

Nicole Rafdal had four strikeouts and one walk while pitching all six innings for the Tigers.

&uot;She pitched a nice game,&uot; said Harves. &uot;And the kids played good defense. Our other two errors didn’t hurt us.&uot;

Overall, Harves said it’s the kind of ball he wants to see the Tigers playing at tournament time.

&uot;That’s what I told the girls,&uot; said Harves. &uot;We’re playing good ball.&uot;

The Tigers finish the regular season with a Big Nine doubleheader at Winona today.

Mankato East 2, Albert Lea 0

AL

000

000

0 &045; 0

7

6

ME

000

020

x &045; 2

7

0

LP &045; Nicole Rafdal