Lexie Smith had a strong outing for West Lauderdale, but the Lady Knights committed five errors in a 3-1 loss to Vancleave in Game 1 of a best-of-three series Friday in the first round of the MHSAA Class 4A playoffs. Smith pitched seven innings, giving up three runs, none earned, on five hits while striking out three. Kristin Hayes went 2-for-3 with an RBI for West Lauderdale. Kacey Williams and Hailey Tally had a hit apiece for the Lady Knights (11-8). Games 2 and 3 will take place Saturday at Vancleave.