The first sweep of the season for the Albert Lea volleyball team was Thursday at home against Austin.

Set scores were 25-21, 25-13 and 25-16.

“It’s always nice to win a match in three sets,” said Albert Lea coach Lisa Deyak. “I was really really excited about the way my team came alive in the second set and really started controlling it.”

The Tigers have won three straight meetings with the Packers.

After a close first set, Albert Lea took control early in the second.

“The big momentum shift was when we really started connecting with our middle hitters,” coach Deyak said. “When we get Taylor (Willis) and Kassi (Hardies) on top of those balls and they’re hitting hard at the floor, that’s always nice to see.”

Julia Deyak led the Tigers with 33 assists. She made the transition from outside hitter to setter this season. Hardies had six kills, and Willis added two.

“The timing of a really good quick middle is always a challenge, but our girls executed well,” coach Deyak said.

Albert Lea also excelled on the outside at the net. Hope Landsman led the team with 12 kills, Camryn Keyeski added seven and Allison Grandstrand had five.

The Tigers’ back row has seen changes as Bethany Tennis was brought up from the JV team. She tied Keyeski with a team-high 14 digs.

Next, Albert Lea (5-13 overall, 3-7 Big Nine Conference) will play at 3:30 p.m. at the St. Michael-Albertville Tournament.