The story of the Park Center’s 1-0 victory over Albert Lea was the play of losing goalkeeper Kathryn Flaherty. She came up with a number of saves, including at least five of the spectacular variety to keep her team in the game.

Pirates senior Jill Rosby finally got a ball past Flaherty late in the first half. It was the first state tournament goal ever for Park Center (16-3) since its first appearance at state. There was a mass of bodies in front of the goal. Rosby’s shot somehow trickled through all the bodies and just got inside the left post.

“It wasn’t a very clean goal,” Rosby said. “It was bouncing, and I barely got a foot on it. The goalie must not have seen it, because it barely trickled in.”

Park Center’s speed kept the Tigers (12-3-2) scrambling all night. The constant pressure continued in the second half. Down a goal, Albert Lea committed more players to the attack, but the Pirates continued to carry the play. Park Center’s defense rarely allowed a shot on net.