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The Albert Lea High School girls’ hockey team traveled to Luverne on Tuesday evening for a tilt with the defending 3A champion Luverne Cardinals. The much-anticipated matchup provided a thrilling evening for the fans in attendance as the #15A Tigers defeated the #18A Cardinals behind senior goaltender Rachel Doppelhammer’s 27-save performance.

Albert Lea jumped out to a quick lead just 33 seconds into the game as Morgan Goskeson scored her team-leading 22nd goal of the season on an assist from Haley Austinson. Liley Steven then gave the Tigers a 2-0 lead at the 12:20 mark of the first period on an assist from Olivia Ellsworth.

Luverne cut the Albert Lea lead in half with a power play goal just over three minutes into the second period, but that would be the only puck to get past Doppelhammer as she withstood a strong Cardinal performance in the middle period to send the Tigers into the locker room with a 2-1 lead.

The third period was a fast-paced, back-and-forth affair. Both teams had several chances, but were unable to capitalize and the Tigers were able to come away with the 2-1 victory to move their record to 14-3 on the season.

They’ll next play on Thursday night at home against Austin. Game time is 7:15 p.m. at Albert Lea City Arena.