Clarkdale’s Mary Ashley Culpepper fights off Loyd Star players as she attempts to get possession of the ball Monday night.

Mary Ashley Culpepper had a hat trick for Clarkdale as the Lady Bulldogs cruised to a 6-1 win against Loyd Star Monday in the first round of the MHSAA Classes 1-3A playoffs.

In addition to Culpepper’s three, Mallory Smith, Kristen Phillips and Peyton Rigdon each scored a goal for Clarkdale (18-6-2).

“I thought we played well,” Lady Bulldogs head coach Brandon Rodgers said. “We were able to score fairly early, which gave us the opportunity to let the other girls get some playing time to let our starters rest and stay injury-free.”

Ridgon also had two assists for Clarkdale, as did Kristen Phillips, while Cora Bucurel added one assist.

The Lady Bulldogs were hopeful they would get senior forward Rae Rae Wilson back for the second round should they advance that far, but Rodgers said Monday night that it’s not looking likely she’ll return for that game.

Clarkdale will travel to Sacred Heart Saturday for round two.

FRANKLIN COUNTY 1, CLARKDALE BOYS 0

Clarkdale kept it close defensively but was unable to find the back of the net as it lost to Franklin County in the opening round of the Classes 1-3A playoffs.

“It was a very physical game,” Clarkdale boys coach Luke Smith said. “They scored with about 20 minutes to go in the game, and we kept pressuring them but couldn’t quite get a goal. All the way down to the last minute we had a few chances but couldn’t find a goal.”

Franklin County entered the game with just one loss, and Smith said he was proud of his boys almost handing it a second loss.

“They were much bigger than us, but we were still able to compete,” Smith said. “I’m also proud of how we performed this season as a whole. I think we’re set up very well for the future. We only have one starter who’s a senior that we’ll lose, and it’ll hurt to lose him, but I think we have some guys who can step in and fill that role. The future looks bright.”

Clarkdale finished the season with an 8-14-4 record.

OTHER SCORES

Class 4A first round: Newton County girls 2, Corinth 0

Classes 1-3A first round: Choctaw Central girls 7, Independence 0; Choctaw Central boys 8, Independence 1