MANKATO – The Albert Lea High School girls’ basketball team has made this a turnaround season with a determined, tenacious style of play that has impressed several opponents.

Saturday, February 16, 2002

MANKATO – The Albert Lea High School girls’ basketball team has made this a turnaround season with a determined, tenacious style of play that has impressed several opponents.

It was mysteriously absent Friday.

The Tigers lacked spark, according to coach Karol Hansen, while losing 42-40 in a Big Nine game at Mankato East.

&uot;I’m extremely disappointed,&uot; said Hansen. &uot;It’s like taking a big step backwards. We’re such a better ball club. It wasn’t the same team I’ve seen the last couple games in terms of determination and tenacity.&uot;

The Tigers had two basic problems, according to Hansen. They struggled shooting, making only 15 of 56 field goals, and often were not in position for the rebound.

&uot;We should have outrebounded them by a lot,&uot; said Hansen. &uot;We didn’t do a good job of getting a defender to the weak side, which really hurt us. Situation-wise, we didn’t make some real good decisions on the court.&uot;

Both teams started slow, with East on top 6-4 through one period. The Cougars led 15-13 at halftime and 26-25 after three quarters. A pair of three-point baskets helped East seal it in the fourth and, when the Tigers fell behind by six points, they were forced to foul in an attempt to catch up.

Aubree Page’s 11 points led the Albert Lea scoring. She also had four rebounds. Beth Kolling had nine points, six steals and four rebounds, Danielle Jacobs eight points, 11 rebounds and four steals, Jenny Vanderploeg eight points and four rebounds. Also contributing: Amy Ravenhorst two points, five rebounds; Danielle Rankin three rebounds; Janelle Vietze three rebounds; Jenny Hovendick two points.

The loss dropped the Tigers to 4-12 in the Big Nine and 8-12 overall. East improved to 3-13 and 4-16.

The Tigers host Austin Tuesday.

Said Hansen, &uot;We have to bounce back Tuesday against Austin, and the girls can.&uot;