ADAMS — A heartbreaking loss in the third game set the tone for the Southland volleyball team as it dropped its season opener to Albert Lea in four games in Adams Monday.

The Tigers came out on top by scores of 21-25, 25-17, 26-24, 25-17.

Southland led the third game 16-8, but AL rallied to tie the game at 22.

Senior Madi Schmitz, who finished with 15 set assists, had kills to put the Rebels (0-1 overall) up 23-22 and 24-23, but AL scored the last three points of the game.

“I think that mentally we weren’t ready to play. We took ourselves out of the game,” Southland head coach Angie Smith said. “The first game was our best and we kept going down from there. Usually you like to build.”

Southland led game four 5-1 before the Tigers made their move and the Rebels led game two 10-6 before allowing nine straight points.

While Southland struggled with communication throughout the night, AL took advantage by hustling to every loose ball and forcing the issue.

“They played a smart game. They hit our middle every chance they could and we couldn’t adjust in time,” Smith said.

Southland stats: Celina Yunker, 7 kills, 14 digs, 2 ace serves; Madi Schmitz, 6 kills, 15 set assists, 8 digs, 1 ace serve; Jana Schammel, 11 kills; Lindsey Bottema, 17 set assists, 10 digs, 4 ace serves; Kelli Smith, 8 digs, 1 ace serve; Kellie Shawback, 9 digs; Haley Kirkpatrick, 4 kills, 1 ace serve; Elizabeth May, 2 blocks