Albert Lea drops last regular season home game

A second half rally fell short of securing a win for the Tigers on senior night.

The Winona girls’ basketball team defeated Albert Lea 89-30 Friday at Albert Lea High School during the Tigers’ last home game of the regular season.

“We had a much better second half than first half,” said Albert Lea coach Gina Klennert. “We scored twice as many points, and our focus on trying to execute was much better.”

The loss brings the Tigers’ record to 1-24 overall and 0-21 in the Big Nine Conference.

On senior night, Albert Lea’s two seniors fittingly stood out, according to Klennert.

Senior guard Katie Rasmussen had six points, a rebound and an assist for the Tigers, while senior forward Fran Eckstrom put up seven points, grabbed four rebounds and had a steal and a block.

“Our two seniors went out on a very high note,” Klennert said. “They played hard the whole game, and did a very nice job of finishing out the season.”

Klennert also noted that Kathryn Flaherty had a strong game Friday. The junior forward contributed six points, seven rebounds, two assists and a steal for Albert Lea.

“She just played hard,” Klennert said. “She played through it all and it was awesome to see.”

Next, Albert Lea will play its last regular season game at 7:30 p.m. Friday at Rochester Mayo before starting the postseason. The Spartans (22-2, 18-2) previously defeated the Tigers 69-14 on Jan. 21. Klennert said postseason brackets should be released Feb. 28.