In the Albert Lea girls’ golf team’s second and final home meet of the season, the Tigers hosted a triangular with Red Wing, the No. 1-ranked team in the Class AA polls, and Northfield.

Samantha Nielsen led the Tigers for the eighth time in nine meets, but the Tigers finished third with a score of 421 Tuesday in the rain at Wedgewood Cove Golf Club.

“This was a tough day for us to score like this at our home course, even in the tough conditions,” said Albert Lea coach Shawn Riebe. “It is still a consistency thing for us and shows our youth. It will come with time.”

Red Wing completed the course in 335 strokes, and Northfield was second with 387.

Nielsen was the medalist with a score of 97 in Albert Lea’s first home meet against Rochester John Marshall on April 16. Despite battling the elements, she improved her score Tuesday with a 93.

“Sam has been our go-to player this season,” Riebe said. “She put in the time the last few summers, and it’s paying off. She’s a leader on the team.”

Nielsen’s best score of the season was 88 on April 23 at Mississippi National Golf Links in Red Wing.

“Her scores speak for themselves,” Riebe said. “Sam keeps a good attitude even when playing poorly, which is what we are looking for in this mentally demanding sport.”

Kayla Jensen shot a 107 to take Albert Lea’s second spot. Bailey Sandon was third with a 110, and Natalie Nafzger rounded out the scoring with a 111.

Nafzger posted the Tigers’ best score on April 14 at North Links Golf Course in Mankato and tied Nielsen for Albert Lea’s top spot April 30 at Faribault and May 4 at Owatonna.

Next, Albert Lea will compete at 2:30 p.m. Monday at Austin Country Club against Austin, Owatonna and Rochester Mayo.