The small mistakes have hindered the Albert Lea softball team throughout the season and those miscues haunted the Tigers once again against Red Wing Friday in the consolation bracket of the Section 1AAA playoffs at Todd Park in Austin.

Albert Lea entered the fourth inning down 4-3 with the Wingers, but Red Wing was able to take the extra base and manufacture runs against the Tiger defense to the tune of five runs en route to a 10-4 victory to end the season for Albert Lea.

“Really what it comes down to is we don’t have a whole lot of softball experience,” said Albert Lea head coach Chad Feikema. “They play it for two months … in the spring and we do that each year and that’s our experience. So some of the things that are some what instinctive don’t necessarily happen.”

A leadoff walk to the No. 9 hitter Katie Carlson started the rally for the Wingers (9-12) and a hit by leadoff hitter Kirstin Bigelbach got past right fielder Sarah Heijeriman to allow Bigelbach to reach third. Bigelbach scored on a wild pitch. Lydia Wagner drew a walk and Tesha Buck singled to continue the threat. Megan Fleming hit a double to drive both runs in as Red Wing took a 9-3 lead.

Prior to the fourth 12th seeded Albert Lea (4-18) had matched to nearly keep pace with the No. 7 seed Wingers.

The Tigers took a 1-0 lead in the top of the first when Kristine Kelly followed Jenna Christensen’s leadoff double with an RBI single. Christensen scored when the Red Wing defense booted a ball on the relay throw.

After the Wingers struck for two runs in the second, Albert Lea tied the game at 3 with an RBI double from Lauren Klick and an RBI single from Courtney Schnaith.

The Tigers let an opportunity slip away in the sixth when they loaded the bases with one out, but Bigelbach struck out the next two Albert Lea hitters.

The Tigers graduate five seniors, including four starters.

“Our last two years — this year and last year — have been two of our more successful softball seasons in Albert Lea in quite some time,” Feikema said. “Their character and their attitude are a big part of that.”

It was the final game for Christensen who concluded her career with a 2-for-4 night at the plate and scored twice. Feikema said not only will her ability be missed, but also her leadership.

“Certainly going to be missed, not only from an ability standpoint what she brings to the field, but from a leadership standpoint,” he said. “She’s just fantastic as a teammate and as a leader.”

Katie Schou, Laura Gaudian, Nichelle Klatt and Amy Lysne all graduate this year.

“Next year’s team should be solid,” Feikema said. “You have a lot of players back and just a few holes to fill. You have some pitching back and should have a competitive team again next year.”

It was also the final game of Feikema’s career at Albert Lea. Feikema accepted a teaching and boys’ basketball head coaching position at Hastings for next season.

Red Wing 10, Albert Lea 4

Albert Lea 102 000 1 — 4 8 3

Red Wing 121 510 x — 10 11 0

WP — Morgan Bohmback 4 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 5 K

LP — Nichelle Klatt 3 IP, 7 H, 9 R, 8 ER, 6 BB, 2 K