The Albert Lea softball team got its season off to a good start with an 11-0 victory over Alden-Conger on Thursday afternoon.

“The girls were fired up and ready to go,” Tigers coach Casey Kortz said after the victory. “It showed on the field right away in the top of the first inning. We took a 6-0 lead.”

New players filled their positions and played their role all night.

Sophomore Megan Johnson was strong inside the circle, recovering from a neck injury. She faced 15 batters in all and retired all of on 57 pitches to get the complete game shutout.

Taysha Sternagen hit a triple, double and single to finish her first varsity game with five RBIs.

Bethany Tennis, Jenna Seavey, Kathryn Flaherty and Sam Skarstad all had an RBI.

Dayna Edwards finished with two hits and two runs scored.

“I’m beyond proud of the team (tonight) and excited to get our season rolling,” Kortz said. “But we still have a lot of things to work on and a full season ahead, but this is a hard-working group of girls and will go after what they want.”