LESTERVILLE -- The Poplar Bluff volleyball team played a tough Lesterville squad Tuesday night, but came away empty-handed against the sixthranked team in Class 1.

The Lady Mules gave Lesterville all they could handle, but still lost both games, 25-21 and 25-19.

"I am pleased with the way that we played last night," Poplar Bluff coach Mike Berry said. "We made many improvements and were able to score points by playing a smarter style of volleyball.

Grace Griffith had a team-high seven kills for the Lady Mules. Blake Talkington added five kills and Jamie Fritts had four. Griffith also had a team-high 13 digs for the Lady Mules.

The JV Mules beat Lesterville 2-0 (25-20, 26-24). Sara Eyler had six kills while Chelsea Darnell had five digs. Abbie McDaniel had seven assists.

TENNIS: The Lady Mules ran into a tough Jackson team Tuesday afternoon and took a 9-0 loss.

Top-seed Erinne Hoff won 8-0 over Poplar Bluff's Jessica Gray. No. 4-seed Kelsey Olsen played the longest match on the day for Poplar Bluff, but took the loss to Rachel Batz, 8-4.

"Jackson was tough," Poplar Bluff coach Michelle Massey said. "Our varsity battled the wind and a Jackson varsity that played the game of tennis well with top-spin and shot placement."