By Jay Austinson
Roy Nystrom Arena has not been an accommodating place for visiting opponents to start the 2024-25 season. The Lady Tigers have yet to give up a goal at home, shutting out Rochester Mayo, Red Wing and River Lakes. Albert Lea has outscored the opposition 22-0.
River Lakes entered Saturday’s contest with one win and one loss on the season. Senior goaltender Kaydence Roeske and leading scorer Sophia Hess return for the Stars from last season’s team that went 14-9-4. Roeske will be playing next year for Minnesota State-Mankato while Hess will skate for the University of Wisconsin, River Falls.
Sophomore Morgan Goskeson opened the scoring in the first for the Tigers. Playing in her first game of the season (injury), Goskeson grabbed a rebound from a shot by junior Calleigh Noble, beating goaltender Roeske for her first goal of the season. Moments later, Hanna Austinson notched her fourth of the season on a pass from behind the net by Haley Austinson. Also assisting on the play was Shelby Evans.
Albert Lea controlled the first period, outshooting the Stars 13-2. The second period again started strong for the Tigers, leading to a 25-3 shot advantage midway though the game. Tiger penalties in the third period gave River Lakes some good scoring opportunities to finish the game. Senior goaltender Jayda Moyer came up big, including a couple stops from inside the dots late in the third.
There was no scoring for either team in the second or third periods. Albert Lea finished with the advantage in shots, outshooting River Lakes 38-27. Moyer earned her third shut out of the season.
Albert Lea has two home games this coming week. The Tigers were expected to face Austin Tuesday and Owatonna Thursday, both games begin at 7 p.m.
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