The Albert Lea girls’ reached the finals of the International Paper/Austin Merchants Holiday Tournament by putting the puck on net and generating a load of offense, but the Tigers couldn’t keep up the offensive output against Northfield in a 2-1 loss Wednesday in Austin.

The Tigers had 29 shots in the game, but the Raiders tallied 40 shots and Maren Dvorak found the game-winner with 1 minute, 53 seconds left in the game. Albert Lea goaltender Kelli Hanson was partially screened on the shot as got past her.

The goal gave Dvorak a season total of four against the Tigers.

Dvorak scored the first goal of the game at 7:11 in the first period, but Albert Lea was able to tie the game 2 minutes into the second period. Amy Gackstetter let a shot fly from the slot to beat Northfield goalie Sam Stark.

Dvorak was a force last time the Tigers (4-8-0) played Northfield as she scored two goals.

While the Raiders (12-1-0) outshot the Tigers, Albert Lea head coach Brian Blatti said it was a good game from both teams.

“It was a good spectator game,” Blatti said.

Blatti said the Tigers had trouble getting shots off, but the team has made strides in its play as of late.

It was a much closer game the second time around for Albert Lea. When the teams met at the beginning of the season Northfield scored a 6-3 victory back on Nov. 18. The difference this time around was how the Tigers have come together as a team.

“The gals are talking a lot more and starting to get comfortable,” Blatti said.

Albert Lea won the tournament last season and Blatti is hoping the team can roll the confidence from the second place finish into a strong second half of the season.

“It definitely helps the girls self confidence,” he said. “Hopefully this will be our turning point.”

Katie Nelson and Lauren Klick were named to the all-tournament team.

Northfield 2, Albert Lea 1

First period: 1. Northfield, Maren Dvorak, (unassisted), 7:11.

Second period: 2. Albert Lea, Amy Gackstetter, (Jacqui Jepson), 2:00.

Third period: 3. Northfield, Maren Dvorak, (unassisted), 15:07.

Shots on Goal: Northfield 40, Albert Lea 29.