ALBERT LEA — Taya Jeffrey erupted for a game-best 27 points on 10-for-15 field-goal shooting to help the Albert Lea Tigers scratch out a 56-54 victory over Fairmont during the Cardinals’ final regular-season basketball game Thursday night in Albert Lea.

Sam Skarstad contributed 15 points to Albert Lea’s second-half comeback that erased Fairmont’s 29-22 lead at intermission.

Faith Olson connected on three 3-pointers to pace her team-best 11-point performance for the Cardinals. Olson also pocketed three steals.

Cadence Becker contributed 10 points to Fairmont’s balanced scoring effort, Bryn Miller contributed eight points, Madysen Allen netted seven points, while Maggy Totzke hit two 3-pointers for six.

Emma Gudahl, who matched teammates Cassidy Schultz and Brittney Mosloski with four points apiece, topped the Cardinals with four rebounds and three assists.

Fairmont connected on 22 of 48 field goals, including 5 of 17 from 3-point range, and 5 of 6 free throws. Albert Lea capitalized on 14-for-19 free throw shooting to fuel its late rally.

Fairmont (14-10) plays host to Maple River in a 7 p.m. Section 2AA, South Sub-Section quarterfinal game Monday night at Cardinal Gym.

Emily Frank poured in 14 points to steer Fairmont to a 36-29 win over Albert Lea during B-squad action Thursday night.

Maggy Totzke supplied five points for the Cardinals, who closed out the season with an 18-5 record.

Abby Cihoski collected 14 points and five boards to propel Fairmont to a 34-4 triumph over Albert Lea during C-squad play Thursday night.

Jazlyn Geerdes produced eight points, Kate Busche contributed seven assists and five steals, while Anna Busche chipped in four steals and four rebounds for the Cardinals, who closed the year with a 14-3 record.

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Minnesota Valley Lutheran 56, Martin County West 42 — Marissa Whitehead neared a triple-double performance by generating 10 points, seven steals and six rebounds, but the Chargers surged past the Mavericks in nonconference basketball action Thursday night in Sherburn.

Whitehead also distributed a team-high three assists, while Kari Matejka contributed 10 points on 2 of 5 shooting from beyond the 3-point arc.

Sami Meyer scored eight points and grabbed seven rebounds, while Gabby Lange netted eight points and Emily Dunlop brought down eight boards for Martin County West.

The Mavericks shot 14 of 45 from 2-point range, 3 of 18 from 3 and 5 of 6 from the charity stripe.

MCW (10-12) goes to Mountain Lake to face Mountain Lake Area/Comfrey for the quarterfinals of the Section 2A, South Sub-Section tournament at 7 p.m. Monday.

MVL 29-27–56

MCW 16-26–42