It wasn’t the first win for the Albert Lea High School girls’ basketball team, but it was a definite step in the right direction.

The Tigers played their best game so far this season in a 49-46 loss to Rochester John Marshall at ALHS Tuesday night.

&uot;We made major strides tonight,&uot; said coach Karol Hansen. &uot;We just need to keep making them.&uot;

After falling behind 14-10 at the end of the first quarter, the Tigers did something they hadn’t done yet this year: Play well in the second and third periods.

This time they outscored the Rockets 13-9 in the second to pull within 25-23 at halftime. Albert Lea took a 37-34 lead into the fourth quarter.

The Rockets won it at the free-throw line, scoring all but four of their 15 fourth-quarter points from the charity stripe. For the night, John Marshall made 16 of 30 free throws.

The Tigers, meanwhile, struggled at the line, making nine of 17 and only four of 11 attempts in the second half.

&uot;Overall, it was probably the best team performance we’ve had this season,&uot; said Hansen. &uot;We made some adjustments on the court defensively that helped us out immensely.&uot;

Hansen said the Tigers shot better than in previous games and played very well on defense.

&uot;Defensively, this was the best game the girls have played this season,&uot; said Hansen. &uot;It shows what they’re capable of doing. The girls had a great attitude tonight.&uot;

Amy Ravenhorst led Albert Lea and all scorers with 14 points. Danielle Rankin scored nine, Ashley Helgerson seven, Amber Edwards four, Jess Hanson four, Jenny Hovendick three, Nicole Rafdal three and Katie Stenseth two.

&uot;Ashley Helgerson played her best game of the season, without a doubt,&uot; said Hansen. &uot;She looked comfortable out there.&uot;

The Tigers, 0-4 in the Big Nine and 0-5 overall, travel to defending conference champion Faribault on Thursday.