Albert Lea Girl’s Basketball team captures first win of the season, and first win for Coach Jodi Schulz
Story by Head Coach Dr Jodi Schulz
Albert Lea Girls Basketball brought home their first win of the season against Northfield at home tonight with a final score of 58-51.   Northfield came into the game at 2-5 for the season and kept the Tigers on the run up to half time where the Tigers trailed by 3 points.   This was truly a team effort with even scoring amongst our captains Jai Maligaya (12), Kendall Kenis (15) and Navaeh Wacholz (15).   Senior Kristina Espinosa however led the team with rebounds (10) and contributed 9 points to the win.  Scoring was well rounded by the Tigers with scoring also by Kayla Johnson, Lexi Jones and Maddie Vandersyde.
With even rebounding between the two teams and similar turnovers, shooting percentage was the deciding factor for the game.  Overall the Tigers shot 42% with 51% in the 2 point range and 28% for three pointers.  In comparison Northfield shot 28% overall.  Tigers remained within three points until the final 2 minutes when fouls by Northfield and excellent free throw shooting by seniors Maligaya and Kenis pulled the Tigers away to their win.
The Tigers will travel to Mankato on Thursday to take on Mankato East and will play again at home Jan 20th against Red Wing.