After playing at a high level since the holidays the Albert Lea girls’ hockey team regressed a bit in a 5-1 loss to Mayo Friday at the City Arena for the Tigers’ third consecutive loss.

“We came off a good game with Red Wing and West,” said Tigers head coach Brian Blatti. “It was hard getting into the game.”

Albert Lea (6-11-0) got off to a quick start when Lauren Klick connected for a goal 3 minutes, 28 seconds into the game, but the rest was downhill from there.

Mayo (12-6-0) proceeded to score the next five goals for the win. Keri Pickel had two and scored the game-winner at 4:35 in the second period.

“It was a tough defensive game,” Blatti said. “Mayo has a habit of crashing the net and they caught us out of position a few times.”

The Tigers were also whistled for five penalties in the game and Blatti said that had an effect on the team as well.

The shots were nearly even in the game with Mayo tallying 29 shots compared to Albert Lea’s 25. Mayo just used its shots more effectively.

“We weren’t in the slot area like we needed to be,” Blatti said. “We werent getting the rebounds like we needed.”

The Tigers played Waseca (3-11) Saturday as this edition went to press.

Mayo 5, Albert Lea 1

Mayo 1 3 1 — 5

Albert Lea 1 0 0 — 1

First period— 1. Albert Lea, Lauren Klick (Madi Passingham), 3:28. 2. Mayo, Keri Pickel (unassisted), 6:39.

Second period— 3. Mayo, Pickel (Mary Grace Flesher), 4:35. 4. Mayo, Olivia Mewhorter (Alyssa Weise), 5:10. 5. Mayo, Weise (Malena Nelson, Tessa Rud), 14:42 (pp.).

Third period— Mayo, Courtney Schubauer (Mackenzie McCormack, Gabrielle Laures) 1:36.

Shots on Goal: Mayo 10-12-7; Albert Lea 9-6-10.

Power-play opportunities: Mayo 1 of 5, Albert Lea 0 of 2.