The Albert Lea volleyball team got its first conference victory, outside of tournament play, in more than two seasons Thursday against John Marshall in Rochester in a thrilling five set match.

The Tigers (7-18, 1-6 Big Nine) closed out two very tight sets to start the match, winning the first set 27-25 and the second 30-28, before the Rockets (6-8, 1-5 Big Nine) came back with 25-17 and 25-22 victories to force a fifth set.

In the decisive set Albert Lea closed out the victory 15-12.

“The girls were so pumped that they got this win,” said Tigers head coach Jamie Mauseth.

Senior Kristine Kelly seemed to be every where on the court as she tallied 54 digs and led the team with 13 kills.

“Kristine was a dominant force on the court,” Mauseth said. “She was the one to go to and get the job done.”

Bethany Sekora had 11 kills and Caylee Tennis 36 assists in the victory.

The Tigers won’t play again until Oct. 20 when they host Faribault.