After a rough start to the season, the Tigers dominated in tournament play over the weekend to take home first place.

The Albert Lea softball team defeated Byron 10-4 and St. Clair 11-1 on Saturday to take home top honors from the tournament in St. Clair. The two wins are Albert Lea’s first of the season.

“We went into this tournament determined to get some wins and we did,” said Albert Lea coach Casey Elsen. “Taking first place after losing two games (last) week is huge for us.”

In Albert Lea’s first game Saturday against Byron, Meliza Lopez started off a strong day of offense with a two-run homer in the first inning. The senior went 3-4 during the game. Sam Skarstad contributed a double and Allison Grandstrand a triple, as well.

“Our offense is coming around. I told the girls ‘baby steps’ last week, except today they proved me wrong,” Elsen said. “They came out ready to hit the ball and that’s what helped us build our momentum. We were very aggressive on the bases and I don’t think the teams were expecting that.”

In the second game Saturday against St. Clair, Hanna Schilling struck out nine while in the circle for the Tigers.

“Hanna pitched two outstanding games — only five walks total between both games,” Elsen said. My defense did their jobs at holding runners, making quick throws and being aware of every situation.”

With the Tigers having vastly improved from their first two losses of the season, Elsen is confident the young team will continue to improve.

“Their communication continues to grow on and off the field and it showed (Saturday),” she said. “Our motto last week was ‘We can only go up’ and we certainly are doing that.”

Next, Albert Lea (2-2 overall, 0-2 Big Nine Conference) will go on the road to play Owatonna at 5 p.m. Tuesday. The Huskies (1-3, 1-2) are coming off of 5-3 and 9-7 losses to Mankato East from Saturday.