The Albert Lea boys’ tennis team started its season on the road with a win.

The Tigers swept Stewartville in doubles action and split singles Friday en route to a 5-2 victory.

“It was great to get on the courts and play a match,” said Albert Lea coach Tom Dyrdal. “The guys played hard and displayed positive attitudes on the court. When we do that, it gives us our best chance to win.”

Taylor Herfindahl and Schafer Overgaard led Albert Lea to wins in singles action.

Herfindahl beat Stewartville’s Nathan Abbot 6-4 and 6-3 at No. 1 singles, and Overgaard beat Shane Parks 7-5 and 6-1 at No. 4.

Despite a setback at No. 3 singles, Dyrdal said he liked the competitiveness Foster Otten showed.

“Foster’s match was more than 2 1/2 hours long,” he said. “Although he lost, I was pleased with his effort. The match came down to the final few points.”

Albert Lea dominated doubles action. The teams of Carter Dahl and Collin Yahnke at No. 1 and Garrett Matz and Andy Woitas at No. 2 won by a combined score of 24-6. Matt Carlson and Tanner Shaft won 6-1, 4-6 and 6-4 at No. 3 doubles.

“Our doubles teams all played well at the net, which resulted in three wins,” Dyrdal said.

Next, Albert Lea will play at 4:30 p.m. Thursday at Austin.

Albert Lea’s junior varsity team beat Stewartville as well, 8-2.