It was a good thing the Albert Lea girls’ soccer team was able to strike in the final five minutes of the first half Tuesday against Mankato West at Hammer Field, because the Tigers were in for a fight in the second half.

Albert Lea (7-2, 2-2 Big Nine) scored a 3-1 win over the Scarlets, but were outshot 25-20.

Tigers’ goalkeeper Steph Ferguson made 20 saves in the game while Morgan Stadheim, Sophie Miller and Brooke Hanson helped hold the defense together against the pressure Mankato West created in the second half, said head coach Rick Barnhill.

“They really held it together when we needed some solidarity on defense,” Barnhill said.

Albert Lea’s Taylor Friehl scored with 4 minutes, 45 seconds to play in the first half on an assist from Ellie Johnson and 1:56 later Stadheim scored off a corner kick from Hanson to make it a 2-0 game.

Mariah Maras assisted on Ariel Christensen’s goal, which eight minutes into the second half to make it a 3-0 game. But 32 seconds later Mankato West’s Laura Rapp dribbled through the Tiger defense to make it a 3-1 game.

“It continues to be simply remarkable how time and time again we’re overcoming the teams that are stronger, more athletic teams,” Barnhill said.

It was a big win for Albert Lea because the Scarlets are a section opponent and one that Barnhill said was the preseason favorite to win the section.

The Tigers travel to Owatonna Thursday to face the Huskies.