OWATONNA &045; Officially, the Albert Lea girls’ swimming and diving team lost its season opener 97-88 at Owatonna Thursday night.

But don’t try telling that to coach Lachelle Sandon.

&uot;In our books, it was a win for us,&uot; said Sandon. &uot;It was an awesome meet. We had a lot of personal bests, lots of surprises in the JV, great leadership and team spirit.&uot;

They also had a close finish. The Huskies led 89-82 entering the final event, closing it out with a win.

The Tigers relied on depth for their points, winning only three events.

The firsts were by Brooke Kaasa, 200-yard freestyle, 2:13.1; Chelsea Cole, 50 free, 26.84; and Krista Horejsi, 100 breast, 1:16.2.

Brooke Kaasa was second in the 500 freestyle while Leah Matheson took second in the 200 individual medley and the 100 breast. Samantha Cole was second in the 100 free, Alyssa Nelson second in the 100 butterfly and Kaeli Wayne second in the 100 back.

Other Albert Lea places: Brittney Kaasa, fourth, 200 free and fourth, 500 free; Lonna Vanderploeg, third, 50 free and fifth, 100 free; Cole, fourth, 50 free; Kassi Gaul, third, diving; Wayne, fourth, 100 free; Nelson, fourth, 100 back; Amy Leach, fifth, 100 back; Megan Austin, third, 100 breast.

The Albert Lea junior varsity won 111-67. Firsts were by Emily Wirkus, 200 free; Jackie Elwood, 50 free and 100 back; Gold, 100 butterfly; McGill, 100 free and 100 breast; M. Wirkus, 500 free.

The Tigers face Mankato West in their home opener Tuesday.