In its season opener, the Albert Lea girls’ golf team battled the elements along with 12 other teams.

“We had a 45-minute snow delay,” said Tigers coach Shawn Riebe. “It came down so hard that the greens weren’t puttable.”

Samantha Nielsen led Albert Lea with a score of 100, and the team took 10th place with a score of 442 Friday at Faribault Golf & Country Club.

Riebe said only two teams completed the course in fewer than 400 strokes.

Sara Rasmussen shot a 106, Emma Loch added a 114, and Natalie Nafzger rounded out the top four with a 122.

Riebe said three of his players competed in their first varsity meet.

“I think we saw some nerves today from a young team on a difficult course in tough conditions,” he said. “I feel we have a lot more talent than we showed today. I think we will show steady improvement throughout the year and show our true potential. This team really seems to want to work hard to improve.”

Next Albert Lea is slated to play at noon Monday at White Bear Yacht Club in Dellwood.