The Clinton County Lady Bulldogs moved to 0-1 on the year after Friday night’s first game of the season against Franklin Simpson.

Clinton County lost the game by final of 42-31.

The Lady Dawgs’ youthfulness came out on the floor Friday night, but there were signs of heart and determination late in the game.

During the first quarter, Clinton County fell behind early as Franklin-Simpson reached 14-0 before Clinton County could find the scoreboard.

With 1:41 on the clock, Landree Moons hit a field goal to give Clinton County its first two points of the game.

Clinton County finished the quarter with a basket by Summer Pierce to trail 16-4.

During the second quarter, Clinton County seemed to pick up its defense somewhat, only allowing Franklin-Simpson to score eight points for the period.

The Lady Dawgs posted eight as well to trail by 12 at the end of the first half, 24-12.

Franklin-Simpson came out after halftime still in full court press against the Lady Dawgs. The full court press did give Clinton County some major problems in the first half, but a moment of clarity for Clinton County seemed to be just what the team needed to add some spark to the game.

Starting at the 5:56 mark, Cassie Thompson hit a field goal that would start a 12-4 run by the Lady Dawgs and see Clinton County get to within four points, 28-24.

Franklin-Simpson came back and added a three pointer and a field goal to give a little more cushion, 33-24, but a field goal by Moons with 10 seconds remaining in the third quarter put the Lady Dawgs within seven points, 33-26.

Moons cut the lead to five points on two free throws in the fourth quarter, 33-28, but Franklin-Simpson was just too strong in the end. Clinton County’s Tatum Harlan scored a field goal and a free throw to give the Lady Dawgs its final score, 42-31.

Individual scoring for Clinton County was:

Moons 11

Young 6

Daniel 4

Harlan 3

McIntyre 3

Thompson 2

Pierce 2

Clinton County was back in action Tuesday (too late for press deadline) against Monroe County at home and will travel to Metcalfe County to take on the Lady Hornets on Friday with a 6 p.m. tip off time.

Landree Moons fought for the ball on a rebound in the second half against Franklin-Simpson Friday night.