The competition won’t get much tougher.

Albert Lea volleyball team began its season Thursday on the road against Chaska, the defending Class AAA state champion.

The Hawks edged the Tigers 27-25 in Game 1 and completed the sweep 25-14 in Game 2 and 25-13 in Game 3.

“We came out strong passing and running our offense in the first set with the score going back and forth,” said Albert Lea coach Jamie Cameron. “We lost our momentum in the second set when we ran into a lineup problem. The third set we struggled blocking and getting the ball to our hitters.”

Julia Deyak led the Tigers with nine kills, and Sarah DeHaan added five. Bethany Tennis posted a team-high 12 digs, and Paige Landsman led the team with 13 assists.

Next, Albert Lea will play Glencoe-Silver Lake the Side Out Classic at 3 p.m. Saturday in Hopkins.

The Tigers’ home opener will be against Austin at 7 p.m. Sept. 10.