Playing a tough Big Nine schedule, the Albert Lea girls’ tennis team needs to win the close ones. Unfortunately, they landed on the wrong side of a 4-3 match to Blue Earth (1-4) Monday in Albert Lea.

“We’re right on the edge of being able to (win),” Tigers head coach Sean Gillam said. “It was good to be competitive. The lineup is still in flux and we haven’t gotten the perfect mix where everyone is playing to their full potential.”

The Tigers (2-9) got wins from Ashley Gilbertson at No. 2 singles, Alissa Allison and Ashley Petersen at No. 1 doubles and Chelsea Petersen and Megan Gilbertson at No. 2 doubles.

The Tigers play again at 4:30 p.m. Thursday at Faribault (2-5).

Blue Earth 4, Albert Lea 3

Singles:

No. 1 Emily Slama (BEA) def. Michelle Hartmann 6-2, 6-0

No. 2 Ashley Gilbertson (AL) def. Abby Nimz 6-3, 6-2

No. 3 Kelly Shorthaus (BEA) def. Kayla Swee 6-1, 6-2

No. 4 Karleigh Wolf (BEA) def. Kristen Enger 6-7 (4-7), 6-3, 6-2

Doubles:

No. 1 Alissa Allison/Ashley Petersen (AL) def. Kaitlyn Olsen/Melissa Shaefer 6-3, 602

No. 2 Chelsea Petersen/Megan Gilbertson (AL) def. Autumn Drake/ Lindsey Prokup 6-4, 6-1

No. 3 Kaitlyn Olsen/Makayla Shorthaus def. Alycia Hall/Courtney Stewart 6-3, 7-6 (7-5)