The Albert Lea girls’ hockey team looked to keep its momentum rolling against Mankato East Thursday night after picking up its first win of the season earlier in the week.

Despite being tied at the end of the first period, the Tigers gave up three goals to the Scarlets in the second period and never recovered, losing 7-2.

Mankato West scored the first goal of the game after about seven and a half minutes had elapsed in the first period. However, with just 12 seconds left in the period, Albert Lea senior captain Mia Fjelsta scored on a power play opportunity to even the game at 1-1. Juniors Josie and Jeden Venem and Alli Dulitz all assisted on the goal.

The game remained tied through the first 10 minutes of the second period before the Scarlets scored during a power play of their own to take the lead back. Mankato West went on to score twice more in a four-minute span before Albert Lea was able to stall the rally.

With just one second left in the period, Jaiden Venem scored to send the teams to the second break with a score of 4-2.

Down just two goals, the Tigers were in a tough spot, but not completely out of the game. They would need a big final push to bring themselves back into it.

Unfortunately for Albert Lea, Mankato West came out to a strong third period and scored two goals in the first three minutes before scoring one more late in the game to hand Albert Lea its second loss of the season.

The Tigers fall to 1-2 on the season and will face off against Minnehaha Academy in Minneapolis Saturday afternoon. Their next home game is slated for Tuesday night against Northfield.