The Albert Lea wrestling team won six of its first seven matches Friday at Plainville-Elgin-Millville and hung on for a 44-25 win.

The Tigers, ranked No. 9 in The Guillotine’s Class AA polls, had four falls, compared to three for the Bulldogs.

“Tonight was a lot about bonus points,” said Albert Lea head coach Larry Goodnature. “We were constantly going for the fall, which is huge in a dual.”

Garrett Aldrich started the Tigers off with a 9-4 decision at 106 pounds. After giving up a pin at 113 pounds, Albert Lea regained the lead lead 9-6 with a forfeit win by Bryce Hoyt.

The Tigers’ lead grew to 20 points after major decisions by Beau Johnsrud and Devin Nelson, a pin by Mason Hammer and a decision by Blake Simon.

PEM fought back by winning the 152- through 182-pound weight classes, to cut its deficit to one point with three matches left.

The Tigers excelled under the pressure as Tim Christianson, Triston Westerlund and Will Mendez all pinned their opponents.

Goodnature said Aldrich, Johnsrud and Westerlund had terrific matches. He was also impressed with the grappling at heavyweight.

“Mendez got a fall for us in the second period,” he said. “That was nice to see.”

Look for results from Albert Lea’s meet Saturday against No. 2 Class AAA Prior Lake, No. 4 Class AA Simley and Farmington — a team that received one vote in The Guillotine’s rankings — in Monday’s Tribune.

Next, the Tigers wrestle at Faribault at 7 p.m. Thursday.