It’s section tournament time, which means it’s time to step it up a notch for the Albert Lea High School girls’ soccer team.

The Tigers did Saturday, shutting out seventh-seeded Willmar 4-0 in rainy, windy conditions at Hammer Field.

Albert Lea, seeded third in the single-elimination Section 2A tourney, advanced to the semifinal round Tuesday at 7 p.m., most likely at second-seeded Shakopee. The Tigers would host Mankato East if the eighth-seeded Cougars upset Shakopee Saturday.

&uot;I’m real happy with the win,&uot; said coach Paul Marka of the Tigers’ Saturday victory. &uot;We actually played real good under the conditions. We played real good team soccer.&uot;

The Tigers took a 3-0 halftime lead on goals by Amy Marka, Jerri Mondeel and Laura Hillman. Katie Stenseth, Kendra Olchefske and Amy Marka assists.

Amy Marka scored the final goal about midway through the second half, assisted by Katie Dooley.

Annie Berger and Emily Staloch shared time in goal for ALHS.

Playing especially well, according to Coach Marka, were Mondeel, Hillman and Amy Marka.

Coach Marka said Tuesday’s game is big.

&uot;I think it might determine who goes to state,&uot; he said.

Shakopee is a familiar opponent, having faced Albert Lea three times this past summer. Each team won at home, and Shakopee prevailed 1-0 in the state championship game. Northfield is seeded No. 1.

(Contact Jim Lutgens at sports@albertleatribune.com or 379-3437.)