CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. --Penalty kicks were the difference again for Poplar Bluff at the Noon Optimist Girls Soccer Tournament.
The Mules took fourth place Saturday with a 1-0 loss to St. Vincent with the lone goal coming on a penalty kick after Poplar Bluff lost 4-3 in penalties to Saxony Lutheran in the semifinals the previous night.
Neither team scored in 70 minutes of regulation Friday after the Mules advanced past Notre Dame on penalties in the first round 4-3.
Saxony Lutheran (3-0) had managed just three shots all game --all in the final 10 minutes --but held off Poplar Bluff. The tournament format did not allow for overtime and the teams lined up for penalty kicks with the Crusaders converting their first four attempts.
Sophie Rowland, Neida Grimaldo and keeper Shelby Sievers answered for the Mules, who had two shots hit the crossbar.
Poplar Bluff's best scoring chance in the first half came in the 33rd minute on a perfect through ball from Rowland sent Zoe Savat in alone but her shot bounced off the left post.
Saxony lost to Jackson 6-0 in the championship game Saturday.
In the third place game, St. Vincent (3-1) drew a foul in the penalty box with two minutes left in the half and went ahead.
Poplar Bluff (2-3) managed more scoring chances in the second half, coach Rusty Crafton said, but the Mules couldn't get an equalizer and finished the tournament with one regulation goal in 210 minutes.
Through five games the Mules have given up nine goals, all but one on penalty kicks.
Poplar Bluff travels Monday to Murphysboro (Ill.).