The Albert Lea softball team had some life in its bats Monday in Rochester against Mayo, but the Tigers weren’t able to put the Spartans away in a 5-4 10-inning loss.

Albert Lea (0-3, 0-3) held a 4-1 lead heading into the fifth inning, but Mayo rallied for two runs in the frame and tied the game in the bottom of the sixth inning.

Both teams went scoreless in the next three innings, but the Spartans struck for the game-winning run in the bottom of the 10th for the 5-4 win.

Mayo loaded the bases in the 10th and Emma Leof hit a hot shot to Caylee Tennis at third base. Tennis made the scoop but wasn’t able to fire to home in time to prevent Courtney Schubauer from scoring the game winning run.

Despite the loss Tigers head coach Chad Feikema saw it as a confidence boaster.

“For us to come out and play them as well as we did, it’s a confidence booster,” Feikema said. “But at the same time if we had been able to make a play or two we could have a had a chance to win the game.”

Mayo was a team that reached the section semifinal last season and some viewed as a strong candidate for a conference championship this season.

Albert Lea collected eight hits in the game, including multi-hit games from two of its leaders in Jenna Christensen and Lauren Klick. Christensen went 2-for-4 and Klick finished 2-for-4 with an RBI.

Feikema was also pleased to see other players get involved with the offense. Kim Nelson connected for a two-run single in the first inning that helped stake the Tigers to a 3-0 lead and three other hitters collected base hits.

“I think we’ve got to feel pretty good overall that we are swinging the bats pretty well,” Feikema said.

Kristine Kelly turned in a terrific day on defense. Kelly was responsible for two double plays from her position at second base.

Nichelle Klatt started the game and pitched five innings, allowing one earned run on seven hits.

Lana Howe came on in relief and allowed one run on four hits. She also struck out six in five innings of work and walked just one.

Mayo 5, Albert Lea 4, 10 innings

Albert Lea 300 100 000 0 — 4 8 1

Mayo 100 021 000 1 — 5 11 1

LP — Lana Howe 5 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 6 K