The free throws just would not fall for the Albert Lea Tigers.

Wednesday, January 30, 2002

The free throws just would not fall for the Albert Lea Tigers.

The Owatonna Huskies did fall. Finally.

The Tigers registered their first girls’ basketball victory against Owatonna since the 1987-88 season Tuesday night, holding off the Huskies 39-37 in the Albert Lea High School gym.

&uot;It’s a huge win for the girls,&uot; said coach Karol Hansen. &uot;And I have to give all the credit to the girls. They played unbelievably.&uot;

It’s the second time this season the Tigers ended a long drought against a Big Nine opponent. Their victory over Mankato East was their first over the Cougars since 1980-81.

Tuesday’s game was close because of free throws, missed ones. The Tigers were 12-for-32 from the line for the night, including 5-for-21 in the fourth quarter alone.

But Hansen couldn’t fault her players.

&uot;From a realistic point of view, when was an Albert Lea girls’ basketball team last in that position?&uot; said Hansen. &uot;We’re usually trying to catch up and close the gap on other teams.&uot;

Defense was the key Tuesday. The Tigers held the Huskies to only three first-half field goals and 17-percent shooting on the night as Owatonna was 9-for-53 from the floor.

The Huskies’ record fell to 7-7 overall and 5-4 in the Big Nine while Albert Lea improved to 7-8 and 3-8.

The Tigers’ leaders: Aubree Page 13 points, six rebounds, three steals; Jenny Vanderploeg 12 points, 11 rebounds, four steals, three assists; Amy Ravenhorst four points, two steals; Danielle Rankin four points, three rebounds, two steals; Jenny Hovendick two points; Beth Kolling two points, four rebounds, three assists; Danielle Jacobs two points, eight rebounds, three steals.

In what Hansen called an extremely physical game, three Albert Lea players took charges – Kolling, Hovendick and Vanderploeg.

The Tigers return to action Thursday at Mankato West.