Albert Lea’s defense strong in win

The Albert Lea Tigers girls’ soccer team dominated Faribault (2-9-2) on both ends of the field Tuesday in a 3-1 win over the Falcons.

Ariel Christensen scored twice and Taylor Friehl scored once, as the Tigers (6-5-0) got all of their goals in the first half. Anna Anderson and Gretta Johnson each had an assist.

“We played well,” Albert Lea head coach Rick Barnhill said. “We came out with a pretty good start and that’s the formula for us.”

Barnhill was also satisfied with the improvement of ninth-grader Grace Gjersvik and sophomore Johnson.

“Gjersvik has made a great sacrifice in playing (outside) defender for our team this year,” Barnhill said. “She continues to improve game-by-game.

“Johnson also showed improvement with her attacking ability,” he added. “Both (Gjersvik and Johnson) have had tremendously positive attitudes and it has shown in their improved play.”

Ninth-grader Hanna DeVries started as goalkeeper for the Tigers and had one save on one shot on goal. The Tigers outshot the Falcons 29-4.

The Tigers being a stretch of three consecutive games at 7 p.m. Thursday as they host Rochester John Marshall (4-7-0).