The transition game will be a work in progress for the Albert Lea girls’ basketball team this season and the team experienced some growing pains Tuesday at home

The Tigers committed 34 turnovers and Waseca took advantage, grabbing easy baskets off the turnovers for a 72-51 win over Albert Lea Tuesday night in Albert Lea.

The Bluejays (1-1) had five players in double figures and their full-court defense created havoc for the Tigers (0-1) in their first game under head coach Sean Gillam.

“When teams start pressing you, they’re inviting you to pick the tempo up,” Gillam said. “We’re not ready to do that, but I think that we can get ready.”

Albert Lea was competitive early in the first half and held a 15-11 lead, but Waseca started pressing and went on a 24-10 run to finish the half up 35-25. In the second half it was more of the same as the Bluejays opened up a 20-point lead midway through the second half.

Waseca pounded the Tigers in the paint, outscoring Albert Lea 46-28 in the paint.

Offensively the Tigers had a tough time finding a rhythm. Abbey Arends led the team with 15 points and Katie Schou added eight to lead Albert Lea. As a team the Tigers shot 38 percent from the field.

“We made some turnovers that I think we have to work out,” Gillam said. “I think there are some things that I can see we do well too, so it’s kind of a feeling out process.”

Albert Lea outrebounded the Bluejays 33-29, but the rebounds Waseca got on the offensive end turned into points too often.

Kelly Loonan was a force inside for Waseca and scored 12 points to lead the Bluejays. She also had six rebounds. Allison Streich chipped in 11 points and six rebounds as well.

Much of the trouble for the Tigers went back to the transition game, as Waseca grabbed 19 steals in the game.

“We don’t transition well yet and that’s because we’re not used to that,” Gillam said. “When you’re not used to that you’re going to have turnovers.”

Gillam was pleased with the 51 points and said the team must focus its attention to Northfield for Friday’s game.

Waseca 72, Albert Lea 51

Waseca 35 37 — 72

Albert Lea 25 26 — 51

Albert Lea scoring: Abbey Arends 15, Katie Schou 8, Alyssa Sager 7, Morgan Stadheim 7, Heather Greibrok 4, Mikaela Pierson 3, Sarah Wenum 2, Erika Blickenderfer 2, Brittany Kelly 2, Britani Felten 1

Field goals: 38 percent (18-for-47); 3-pointers: 25 percent (2-for-8); free throws: 65 percent (13-for-20); rebounds: 33; turnovers: 34

Waseca scoring: Kelly Loonan 12, Allison Strich 11, Lexie Ulfers 11, Elisabeth Trickey 10, Caitlin Whitney 10

Field goals: 43 percent (29-for-66); 3-pointers: 30 percent (3-for-10); free throws: 78 percent (11-for-14); rebounds 29; turnovers: 22.