Lady Mules pitch shutout in season opener

WEST PLAINS, Mo. — Olivia Carda-Smith scored a pair of goals on assists from Sam Ruiz, while Nevaeh Larkins saved all nine shots on goal as the Poplar Bluff Lady Mules soccer team opened its season Tuesday with a rain-soaked 2-0 win at West Plains.

Poplar Bluff coach Rusty Crafton was pleased with his team's performance as the Lady Mules started 1-0.

“Felt good under the conditions tonight,” Crafton said afterwards. “It was cold and rainy all game. They played well tonight.”

Poplar Bluff's junior varsity also pitched a shutout, downing West Plains 5-0. Haley Jarrell scored three goals for the hat trick, while Bri Hanner had a pair of saves in goal.

The Lady Mules are slated to be back in action Thursday and Friday at the SEMO Soccer Classic in Cape Girardeau. Poplar Bluff takes on St. Vincent Thursday and Saxony Lutheran Friday.

Both matches are set to start at 5 p.m.