Another one-goal game, another one-goal loss for the Albert Lea girls’ hockey team.

The Tigers have played seven one-goal games this season and have a 2-5 record in those games following Wednesday’s 1-0 loss to Rochester Mayo at City Arena, but Albert Lea head coach Brian Blatti took away some positives from the most recent one-goal game loss.

“Overall they should be fairly pleased with the way they played,” Blatti said. “A 1-0 loss to Mayo compared to our 4-2 loss last time — it shows they’re improving, they’ve got some heart, they’re dedicated.”

Mary Grace Flesher, who scored three goals last time against the Tigers, scored the game-winner at 13:48 of the second period on a blast from the slot into the upper left side of the goal.

Albert Lea (10-14-1, 4-6-1 Big Nine) generated 27 shots in its final regular season game and several scoring chances but failed to score for the fifth time this season.

“We did a good job of shooting the puck, but again it’s the small things,” Blatti said. “I think the shots aren’t the problem, I think it’s more of us doing a better job of getting those rebounds off of it, getting to that slot area.”

The Tigers had a breakaway opportunity in the second period and outshot Mayo 17-11 in the third period and missed on several chances in front of the Spartans goal.

With 40 seconds left Albert Lea had a faceoff in Mayo’s zone but Blatti decided to not pull goaltender Sydney Conley for an extra attacker.

The Tigers face New Prague Friday to start the section playoffs in New Prague. Albert Lea enters as the sixth seed and the Trojans the third seed. The winner will face the winner of Faribault and Waseca.

Last season the Tigers entered the postseason on a tear, winning three consecutive games and advanced to the section championship game, but this season Albert Lea has won two of its final three games after a four-game losing streak.

“I think we’re feeling pretty good about Friday night,” Blatti said. “If they play the way they can, they’ll be playing again.”

Mayo 1, Albert Lea 0

Mayo 0 1 0 — 1

Albert Lea 0 0 0 — 0

First Period—None. Penalties—None.

Second Period—1, Mayo, Mary Grace Flesher (Chloe Billings), 13:48. Penalties—Katie Trangsrud, Mayo (tripping), 6:14; Mackenzie McCormack, Mayo (elbowing), 15:35; Sophie Jepson, Alb (roughing), 15:35.

Third Period—None. Penalties—Sydney Overgaard, Alb (tripping), 2:33; Olivia Mewhorter, Mayo (roughing), 2:38; Anna Billings, Mayo (roughing), 8:32; Madi Passingham, Alb (slashing), 12:27.

Shots on Goal—Mayo 9-11-11—31. Albert Lea 6-4-17—27.

Power-play opportunities—Mayo 0 of 2; Albert Lea 0 of 4.

Goalies—Mayo, Rebecca Graham (27 shots-27 saves). Albert Lea, Sydney Conley (31-30).