Lady Mules looking to build on last season

The Poplar Bluff Lady Mules soccer team is locked and loaded for their season opener and has plans to make a splash in this year’s district tournament.

Before the Lady Mules can look towards the postseason, they took the first step on their quest on Tuesday in a home opener contest against West Plains High School.

The Lady Mules will have three seniors running the show with Cori Duncan, Savannah Hanner and Sophronia Starnes. Duncan, who recently signed to play for Mineral Aera College, is eager to start her final season with the Lady Mules and expressed some nerves about opening day.

“‘I’m actually kind of nervous, and I don’t really know why,” Duncan said. “I think it’s just the nerves of the first game, but I am really excited. Getting this win will definitely set the tone for a good season. I think that if we can just start winning these easier games then we can get our confidence. Last year, Jackson got us in districts, so we’re aiming to go farther this year. As a senior, I want to go as far as we can. We have a good group of girls, and I think if everybody gives 100% at all times, we can go really far.”

The Lady Mules finished 12-8 last season and collected a seven-winning streak before falling to Jackson High School in the district tournament.

Head coach Rusty Crafton is excited for the season. He’s returning most of his team from last season and is looking to grow on the progress they have made during the offseason.

“We’re excited and looking for better results than last year,” Crafton said. “We made a position change with Ireland Gowen as our new goalkeeper. It’s going to be tough not having her in the mix like last year because she’s such a good defender. We got many pieces that we’re going to utilize a lot this year where some may play the first half and the other in the second. Our goal this year is to be in a good position and push for a district championship.”

Crafton expects his seniors to lead by example, but he encourages his more experienced players to step in also. Last year, the Lady Mules were able to walk away with a 2-0 win over West Plains to open the season and Crafton is aiming to start off with another victory. He said the team has been locked in since the first day of practice and they are eager to hit the field.

“We’ve been practicing on all the small details of the game,” Crafton said. “These girls can play, but we always have to remember to do the small things and play with effort. We’ve been looking really good and must come out with the same consistency we’ve shown at practice. This is the moment that we’ve been preparing for so we’re ready to go.”

After both teams went scoreless for most of the game, the Lady Mules connected with a goal from Sam Ruiz during a double sudden death. The Lady Mules pick up their first win of the season with a 1-0 victory over West Plains.