On a perfect day for golf, the Albert Lea boys’ golf team opened the Big Nine Conference schedule against Mankato West at Green Lea Golf Course.

The home course wasn’t too friendly to the Tigers, as the Scarlets had three players shoot between 80 and 82 for the match to win by 26 strokes, 322-348.

“It wasn’t the outcome we were looking for (today),” Tigers coach Max Jeffrey said after the match. “Give (Mankato West) credit, they posted some good scores and played well.”

Zach Svir, Aiden Brovold and Owen Bjork all shot 80 to lead the Scarlets in the win.

Albert Lea was led by Bergan Lundak’s 83, who shot the lowest score of the day for the Tigers.

“I thought (Bergan) hit the ball well, especially off the tee,” Jeffrey said.

Sam Chalmers shot an 85, and Danny Chalmers finished with an 88.

One thing Jeffrey highlighted as an area of concern was the short game for the Tigers.

“As a team, we need to be better around and on the greens to lower our scores,” he said. “We will keep working to improve that.”

Albert Lea will travel to face Rochester John Marshall on Friday.

Team results

1. Mankato West 322

2. Albert Lea 348

Albert Lea individual results

1. Bergan Lundak 83

2. Sam Chalmers 85

3. Danny Chalmers 88

4. Marty Syverson 92

5. Spencer Chicos 93

6. Aus Barker 97