The Poplar Bluff Mules took the third-ranked team in Class 2 to the limit Tuesday night in the final game of the regular season at Whiteley Park but came up just short in overtime with a 1-0 loss to Notre Dame.

Joda Holloway scored past a sprawling Jay Raulston with just three minutes to go in the first overtime to clinch the win for the Bulldogs.

The Mules had struggled in two previous losses to Notre Dame this season by a combined score 13-0, but Tuesday night brought out a different defensive strategy that worked.

"We did a formation change and went with a two sweeper system that covered the outsides," Poplar Bluff head coach Derek Reasons said. "If they were gonna beat us, it was gonna be up the middle."

The Mules had limited scoring chances on the night, but still challenged the Bulldogs. Sophomore Dustin Calvert had a scoring opportunity in the first half while Nate Legrand had a chance in the second half and Josh Thompson got a shot on goal in overtime.

Raulston made nine saves on the night.

"We're feeling pretty awesome going into districts," Reasons added. "The boys definitely wanted the win (Tuesday night) and they were pretty heartbroken to come so close."

The Mules will take on Northwest in the first round of districts at 5:30 p.m. Monday in Jackson.