ROCHESTER &045; The second-ranked Albert Lea wrestling team was in fifth place after the first day of the Christmas Tournament in Rochester Friday. The Tigers had 67 points just 9 1/2 behind Apple Valley which was leading.

Top-ranked Cody Hansen advanced to the quarterfinals winning in the first round with a 7-1 decision and pinning his second round foe.

No. 4 Eric Johnson also won a pair of matches Friday using a pin in 50 seconds and a 9-1 decision to advance, while No. 3 Beau Hansen is also still alive in the championship bracket at 145 with a pair of wins for the Tigers.

Second-ranked Matt Morris won both of his matches with ease at 160 and No. 3 Taylor Ignaszewski did the same at 171.

At 215, Bradon Reyerson continues to be a force for the Tigers as he pinned both of his opponents to advance to the quarterfinals.

&8220;We would like to have more guys alive in the quarterfinals, but if our big guns do what they are capable of I think we still have a chance of winning,&8221; Albert Lea head coach Larry Goodnature said. &8220;It is still pretty tight at the top.&8221;

The Tigers still have five wrestlers alive in the wrestlebacks.

Top-ranked Logan Kortan won his first match by pin at 119 but lost a 7-3 decision in the second before concluding day one with a victory.

Tim Aldrich went 2-1 at 112, Adam Kermes did the same at 135, Tim Frazier is still in the wrestlebacks at 189 for A.L. and heavyweight Zak Drescher went 2-1 as well.

The Tigers did lose three wrestlers after the first day who suffered a pair of losses to end their tournament.

Colton Remakle (130), Brandon Mellang (140) and Zach McGinnis (152) all saw their day end early.

Those wreslters alive in the wrestlebacks needed to win two matches Saturday to place while those in the quarterfinals needed to win once to do so.