Ruiz's hat trick leads Lady Mules past Kelly

BENTON, Mo. — Samantha Ruiz had a hat trick and the Poplar Bluff Lady Mules soccer team scored early and often in an 8-0 win over the Kelly Hawks here Friday.

Ruiz scored three goals for Poplar Bluff — once in the game's second minute, another in the 25th minute and her third in the 35th minute — to complete the trifecta.

“She played awesome tonight,” Poplar Bluff coach Rusty Crafton said after the match.

Ruiz wasn't alone in the scoring column Friday for the Lady Mules. Madyson Kordick added a pair of goals and the trio of Olivia Carda, Nevaeh Larkins and Hannah Kee each found the back of the net once in a dominating performance.

Additionally, Friday's win came on the heels of a 1-0 win over Notre Dame on Thursday, the Lady Mules' first win over the Bulldogs in five years. Ruiz also scored that game’s only goal on an assist from Lyndsey Weaver to lift Poplar Bluff to victory.

“We're playing well at the right time,” Crafton said.

In junior varsity action, Poplar Bluff downed Kelly 6-1.

The Lady Mules (8-6) host Sikeston Monday. It will be Poplar Bluff's senior night.