ADAMS &045; Opening-night jitters were apparent for the Albert Lea Tigers.

But they were not a factor in the outcome.

The Tigers took control in games three and four and claimed a 3-1 nonconference victory over Southland at Adams in their first volleyball match of the 2003 season. Game scores were 25-17, 24-26, 26-16, 25-12 with the new rally scoring system.

&uot;We started out kind of slow,&uot; said coach Gina Eppen, whose squad won its first season opener in her three years at the helm. &uot;To the girls’ credit, we fought back. We improved every game. We started attacking the ball better, we were hitting the ball better. We were on top of things in game four.&uot;

The Tigers served 88 percent, 84-for-95.

Emily Bartusek led the Tigers at the net with nine kills. She also had 11 digs, a block and an ace serve.

Danielle Rankin also had a strong match with seven kills, 15 digs, three blocks and three aces.

As expected, the newest additions to the team &045; twins Jenna and Katie Brackey, who open enrolled from Glenville-Emmons &045; also made big contributions. Katie had 15 assists, six aces and two kills while Jenna had eight assists, two aces and perfect serving.

Amber Edwards totaled six kills, 15 digs, seven blocks and six aces.

Laura Jackson had three blocks and one kill.

The Tigers play at Waseca Thursday.