ALBERT LEA -- Austin's injury-plague season continued in girls soccer on Thursday during a 3-0 setback to Albert Lea in Big Nine play.
Molly Pease and Kelly Reetz missed the game due to injuries. Jenna Benson was returning from a knee injury, but she hurt the knee again during the game and had to leave. Katie Wilson was also injured in the contest.
"We had to bring our JV players up to play," Austin coach Chico Thiravong said. "But it's good because they get some experience."
The coach said the Packers were charged up to play the game.
"We were all fired up to play our rival, Albert Lea," Thiravong said.
ADVERTISEMENT
Albert Lea came out strong, however, and scored all three of its goals in the first half.
"They were easy goals," Thiravong said. "We were giving away easy goals, it hurts."
The Packers had a couple of good scoring chances in the second half, but were denied.
"The second half we played a lot better," Thiravong said, "but were weren't able to find the net."
The coach said missing some regular players hurt Austin's chances on the offensive end.
"Offensively, we probably played one of our better games this year," Thiravong said. "We had some opportunities. We just seem to be missing two or three key players."
Thiravong said Sara DeVries was hurt but managed to play the game. The coach also cited Natalie Morem and Holly Waltz, on the defensive end, for their play.
Albert Lea outshot the Packers 9-4 in the game.
ADVERTISEMENT
The Packers (3-12 overall, 2-6 Big Nine) play their last home game of the season on Saturday. They play host to Mankato West at 1 p.m. on Seniors Day.
