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By Jay Austinson

Jayda Moyer finished with 31 saves, earning her fifth shutout of the season as the Tigers improved to six wins and one loss on the year after beating Mankato East Tuesday evening.

The Tigers sit atop the Big 9 conference with a 4-1 record, just ahead of second place Northfield. Coach Mike Carlson picks up his 25th career win in his second season behind the Tiger bench.

Albert Lea opened the scoring in the first period on a goal by Haley Austinson. The freshman forward took a pass in the slot from Hanna Austinson, beating the Cougar’s goaltender low blocker side. Also assisting on the play was Morgan Goskeson.

The three forwards connected again in the second period, this time on a goal by Goskeson after a flurry of shots from in close by the trio.

The Tigers led 2-0 after two periods.

The Tigers found themselves playing in their own zone for much of the third period as a young but fast Mankato East team applied offensive pressure.

Tiger defenders forced most of the play outside the dots and Mankato was forced to shoot from outside the slot.

Morgan Goskeson secured the victory with her second goal of the game, this time on the power play after a wrap-around goal that beat a sliding Mankato goaltender low.

Albert Lea’s Moyer currently leads the state with a .986 save percentage, stopping 141 of 143 shots faced on the season.

Albert Lea returns to action Thursday to face Mankato West at home.