The Albert Lea girls’ golf team traveled to North Links golf course to take on Mankato West Tuesday night in its first meet of the season.

The young Tigers team struggled to gain their footing, falling to the Scarlets 421-478.

The leading scorer for Albert Lea was senior Charley Fleek, who shot a 106 with a 55 on the front nine and 51 on the back nine. Junior Makenzie Herr scored a 113 (57-56), sophomore Grace Nelson shot a 123 (62-61) and eighth-grader Gracie Palmer rounded out the scoring for Albert Lea with a 136 (72-64). Also golfing for the Tigers were sophomores Savannah Quinlivan 140 (77-63) and Ashlyn Yost 164 (89-75).

The Scarlets had one golfer shoot under 100 in Tealy Krosch with a 98. Lexi Carlson shot a 103, Ally Grabianowski a 107, and Rachel Luedtke shot a 113. Also golfing, but not scoring for the Scarlets were Lindsey Hayes with 128 and Aiden McGraw with 116.

“It was really nice to finally get out and play a full round of course,” said Albert Lea head coach Shawn Riebe. “Our scores showed our youth and lack of play so far this season. The girls were frustrated and have to realize it is very early and they are young as a team. I really like the future of this team. 

“Alyssa Jensen shot the best front nine for us today. A lot of these younger girls have a passion for this game and played quite a bit of golf this summer. Those girls look to be motivated to keep that up and play at a higher level every day. I look for good things as this season progresses.”

The next scheduled meet for the Tigers is set for Friday with a varsity invite in Faribault.