Open with wins over Lyle-Pacelli, Worthington

The Albert Lea girls’ tennis team opened the season by beating Lyle-Pacelli and Worthington Tuesday in a triangular at the high school courts.

The Tigers (2-0) got solid play from their doubles teams, sweeping both teams in that department on the day.

“It was good for our doubles to come in and carry us all the way,” Tigers head coach Sean Gillam said. “That’s what you have to do in a Big Nine schedule.”

While Albert Lea doesn’t start its conference schedule until Aug. 31 when they host Rochester Century, grabbing two wins out of the gates is a good way to start the season.

The Tigers opened the triangular by beating Lyle-Pacelli 4-3.

The team won only one singles match, getting a point when Kristen Enger won by forfeit 1-0. Alissa Allison and Megan Gilbertson led a strong Tiger showing in partner play, though, winning at No. 1 doubles 6-1, 6-0.

Albert Lea’s singles play improved in the second match en route to a 7-0 win over Worthington.

At No. 1 singles, the Tiger’s Michelle Hartmann bounced back from an earlier loss and defeated Emily Williamson 6-1, 6-2.

“The girls in the singles spots recovered well in the second match,” Gillam said.

Ashley Gilbertson didn’t lose a game against Worthington, winning 6-0, 6-0 at No. 2 singles as did Enger at No. 4 singles and Kayla Swee and Ashley Petersen at No. 2 doubles.

The Tigers are on the court again Thursday as they host last year’s Gopher Conference runner-up, United South Central. The match starts at 4 p.m.

Albert Lea 4, Lyle-Pacelli 3

Singles

No. 1 Lauren Rieker (L-P) def. Michelle Hartmann 6-0, 7-6 (7-3)

No. 2 Abby Leif (L-P) def. Ashley Gilbertson 6-2, 4-6, 10-5

No. 3. Steph Kocer (L-P) def. Karlee Anderson 6-3, 6-1

No. 4 Kristen Enger (AL) def. forfiet 1-0

Doubles

No. 1 Alissa Allison/Megan Gilbertson (AL) def. Lindsey Chapek/Lisa Tan 6-1, 6-0

No. 2 Kayla Swee/Ashley Petersen (AL) def. Mindy Nguyen/Maggie Leif 6-1, 4-6, 10-6

No. 3 Courtney Stewart/Alicia Hall def. Tiffany Hoefing/Betsey Ettinger 6-4, 6-2

Albert Lea 7, Worthington 0

Singles

No. 1 Michelle Hartmann (AL) def. Emily Williamson 6-1, 6-2

No. 2 Ashley Gilbertson (AL) def. Sabrina Klein 6-0. 6-0

No. 3 Karlee Anderson (AL) def. Kate Lasnar 7-6 (7-5), 3-6, 10-6

No. 4 Kristen Enger (AL) def. Amanda Bristow 6-0, 6-0

Doubles

No. 1 Alissa Allison/Megan Gilbertson (AL) def. Elizabeth Luke and Brianna Kempema 2-0, retire

No. 2 Kayla Swee/Ashley Petersen (AL) def. Ashley Jansma/Heather Loy 6-0, 6-0

No. 3 Courtney Stewart/Alicia Hall (AL) def. Kristen Alijets/Rachel Drietz 6-0, 6-3