Mankato West defeats Albert Lea

Published 10:50 pm Thursday, October 8, 2015

Albert Lea's Kassandra Jansen prepares to serve Thursday against Mankato West on Senior Night at Albert Lea. — Micah Bader/Albert Lea Tribune

Albert Lea’s Kassandra Jansen prepares to serve Thursday against Mankato West on Senior Night at Albert Lea. — Micah Bader/Albert Lea Tribune

Despite winning the first game of the match, the Albert Lea volleyball team’s most successful run of the season ended.

The Tigers’ four-match winning streak snapped Thursday with a 3-1 loss against Mankato West on Senior Night at Albert Lea.

Game scores were 14-25, 25-20, 25-16 and 25-14.

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“We proved in the first game that all the talent is there to win,” said Tigers coach Jamie Cameron. “We went flat in the second game, and we fought back. I thought we were over the hump, but then we came back flat again in the third and fourth game.”

After starting the season 1-7, Albert Lea (6-11, 3-6 Big Nine) has gone 5-4.

The Tigers’ winning streak began Oct. 2 at the October Classic at Apple Valley. Albert Lea lost its first match against the eventual tournament champion, East Ridge, but rebounded with a 2-1 win over Fillmore Central and 2-0 victories over Burnsville and Chanhassen.

The streak continued as the Tigers won 3-1 Tuesday at Rochester Century (17-3, 6-3 Big Nine).

“We had great momentum built going into Century,” Cameron said. “I was hoping that momentum would carry over to Mankato West, and it did in the first game.”

Julia Deyak led Albert Lea’s hitters with 13 kills. She also had nine digs, an assist, two ace serves and three blocks.

Camryn Keyeski posted a team-high 15 digs to go with five kills, three assists and an ace serve.

Paige Landsman led Albert Lea with 16 assists.

The Tigers have a tournament and conference matches at Owatonna and Winona remaining during the regular season.

Next, Albert Lea will play at 4 p.m. today at a tournament at St. Michael-Albertville.