The Albert Lea softball team struggled to generate offense Thursday in a 3-0 season-opening loss to Rochester Mayo in Rochester.

The Tigers managed just two hits off Spartans starter Sarah Bohlen, who is considered one of the best pitchers in the conference, but had a chance early to get on the board.

In the first inning with two runners on Courtney Schnaith hit a ball near the foul line that Mayo dropped, but the umpire said the ball was in foul territory.

“We thought we had two runs right off the bat,” said Albert Lea head coach Dan Harms.

The Tigers struggled early at the plate and struck out 11 times in the game.

Lauren Klick collected Albert Lea’s two hits and finished 2-for-3.

Lana Howe threw six effective innings. Howe gave up three runs on five hits and struck out four.

The Tigers face Mankato West Tuesday in Albert Lea.

Mayo 3, Albert Lea 0

Albert Lea 000 000 0 — 0 2 1

Mayo 010 002 x — 3 5 0

WP—Sarah Bohlen 7 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 3 BB, 11 K

LP—Lana Howe 6 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 3 BB, 4 K