RED WING — After the fourth coaching change in the last two years, the Albert Lea girls’ hockey team measured success this season through improvement.

“It’s been tough, and the girls have been through a lot in the last few years,” said Tigers coach Jason Fornwald. “It goes to show the amount of character and leadership they have as individuals to continue to battle. We wanted to get better, and we accomplished that.”

When Albert Lea played at Red Wing on Dec. 14, the Tigers gave up nine goals in the second period and lost 13-0.

In the rematch Wednesday in the Section 1A quarterfinals, Albert Lea goalie Katie Schwarz stopped 51-of-57 shots on goal, but the Tigers lost 6-0.

“Red Wing had to earn every goal they scored,” Fornwald said. “We battled them all the way through, and I’m proud of their effort.”

A trio of seniors played their last game for the Tigers: Schwarz, forward Anna Englin and defenseman Sage Kermes.

“They were great examples of what a hockey player should be,” Fornwald said. “It was a pleasure working with these kids.”

Fornwald said he hasn’t decided if he will return next season to coach the team.

Albert Lea finished 3-23 overall and 2-16 in the Big Nine Conference.

Red Wing (21-4-1, 13-0-1 Big Nine) advanced to the Section 1A semifinals and will host Faribault (14-12, 8-11 Big Nine) at 7 p.m. Saturday. The other two teams in the semifinals are Northfield and New Prague.