Albert Lea was given a second opportunity Thursday in its double-elimination softball playoff.

After falling to Winona on Tuesday, the Tigers looked to rebound in hopes of making it back into the winner’s side of the bracket.

They were in good position, too, against Stewartville as they held a 2-0 lead in the third inning.

Unfortunately, Stewartville rallied to score six unanswered runs and won the game 6-2, effectively ending Albert Lea’s season.

“It was definitely a tough loss,” said Tigers coach Casey Elsen. “We had the lead until the fourth inning. We just couldn’t hold them off.”

The Tigers got on the board in the second inning when Maddie Fjermstad smacked a double, then stole third and scored on an overthrow.

In the third inning, Allison Grandstrand showed some power as she crushed a deep homer to left field.

Stewartville scored four runs in the bottom of the fourth inning, and threatened for more runs in the fifth inning.

With the bases loaded, Tigers outfielder Sam Skarstad got a great jump on a fly ball. She laid out and made a diving catch for the third out that saved at least two runs. Stewartville added two more runs in the sixth inning to make up the final margin.

The loss ends the season for Albert Lea with a record of 3-16.

“It was a sad night leaving the diamond,” Elsen said. “Especially for our seniors.