Although the Albert Lea girls’ hockey team lost its last two games, the Tigers are closing the gap on their opponents.

After a 6-0 home loss against Winona on Nov. 15, Albert Lea fell 2-1 to the same team on Tuesday, and after a 9-0 loss at Austin on Nov. 13, the Tigers fell 4-2 against the Packers Thursday at Albert Lea City Arena.

“I told the girls they have nothing to hang their heads about,” said Albert Lea coach Jason Fornwald. “They’ve come a long way in a month.”

The Tigers were within six shots of the Packers.

Anna Englin scored Albert Lea’s first goal on assists from Haley Larson and Maddy Funk, and Hannah Johnson lit the lamp in the second period on passes from Englin and Lyrik Blake.

Katie Schwarz led the Tigers in the goal with 25 saves.

Next, Albert Lea (3-11 overall, 2-8 Big Nine Conference) will play at 7 p.m. Tuesday at Waseca (3-10 overall, 3-4 Big South Conference).