The Albert Lea softball team entered the second game of a doubleheader with Winona Thursday having just lost 8-7 in extra innings, but instead of ruminating on the loss the Tigers unleashed whatever frustration they might have had in the second game for a 7-2 win to split the doubleheader in Winona.

Albert Lea took the lessons from the first loss and banged out 12 hits to pick up its first win of the season.

“I think it’s big to get that first win because we’ve come so close,” said Tigers head coach Chad Feikema.

Albert Lea (1-5, 1-5 Big Nine) scored three runs in both the third inning and seventh inning to put the Winhawks away 7-2.

Lana Howe picked up the victory, going seven innings and allowing two runs on five hits.

Lauren Klick was 3-for-4 with a double and two RBIs and Courtney Schnaith went 2-for-4 with a double and two RBIs.

The first game provide plenty of excitement for the Tigers and seemed to energize them in the second game.

Albert Lea rallied in the top of the seventh inning to take a 6-3 lead against Winona, but the Winhawks got three back in the bottom have to send the game to extra innings.

But Winona could have ended it sooner if not for a terrific fielding play by center fielder Lauren Klick.

With bases loaded and two outs the Winhawks hit a line drive to the gap. Klick dove head first and made a game-saving catch to send the game to extra innings.

“The play by Lauren was like Torii Hunter,” Feikema said. “It was a great catch.”

Sarah Heijerman hit a one-out triple in the top of the eighth inning and Laura Gaudian hit an RBI single to give Albert Lea a 7-6 lead.

But the Tigers couldn’t hang on as Winona scored the tying run on a base hit and drew a bases-loaded walk to win the game.

Following Tuesday’s game with Faribault Feikema wanted his team to drive the ball better, which it did Thursday.

Albert Lea had eight extra-base hits in the doubleheader. Kristine Kelly had a day at the plate as she went 5-for-9 with three RBIs, a triple and a double. Kim Nelson went 4-for-8 with a double and Klick finished 4-for-8 with two doubles and two RBIs. The Tigers tallied 12 hits in both games.

Albert Lea travels to New Richland Saturday to play in the New Richland Invitational tournament.

Game 1

Winona 8, Albert Lea 7, 8 innings

Albert Lea 000 000 61 — 7 12 1

Winona 120 000 32 — 8 10 0

WP — Erin Buswell 8 IP, 12 H, 7 R, 7 ER, 2 BB, 8 K

LP — Lana Howe 1 2/3 IP, 2 H, 4 BB, 1 K

Game 2

Albert Lea 7, Winona 2

Albert Lea 003 010 3 — 7 12 0

Winona 001 100 0 — 2 5 0

WP — Lana Howe 7 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 5 BB, 0 K