The La Crescent Lancers could not stop the Albert Lea Tigers' Adam Herbst, who tallied a hat trick in a 7-1 win.

Herbst got on the scoresheet 9:47 into the first period. He then added goals at 16:25 into the first and at 6:47 into the second.

The win gave Albert Lea a 1-0 lead in the best of one series.

The Tigers' penalty kill was spotless, allowing no goals on three La Crescent power plays. Albert Lea forced La Crescent goalie Josh DeBoer to work between the pipes, taking 46 shots.

Albert Lea additionally got points from Andrew Thompson, who also tallied one goal and one assist. Nate Stadheim also scored for Albert Lea. More assists for Albert Lea came via Darik Weigel, who had two and Alex Claassen, Aspen Heilman, Van Zelenak, Joshua Martin, and Eli Malimanek, who contributed one a piece.

The Lancers did not challenge the opposing netminder, only getting six shots on net to force five saves.

La Crescent was led by Justin Paul, who scored the team's only goal. Paul scored 10:51 into the first period to make the score 2-1 Albert Lea.

Garret Matz made five saves for the Tigers on six shots. Albert Lea incurred six minutes in penalty time with three minors. DeBoer rejected 39 shots on goal for the Lancers. La Crescent incurred four minutes in penalty time with two minors.