The Central A&M Lady Raiders jumped out to a 9-1 lead after 2 1/2 innings but a valiant Clinton rally fell short late as the Lady Maroons fell 9-7 Wednesday in Central Illinois Conference girl's softball action from Clinton High School.

The Lady Maroons cut the deficit to 9-4 after three innings with a three-run third. A run in the fifth made 9-5 and then a rally in the seventh fell short as Clinton scratched across a pair of runs for the final 9-7 tally.

Morgan Malone homered and drove in four runs for the Lady Raiders finishing 2-for-4. Julia Braundmeier scored twice. 

Malone allowed three earned runs in seven innings pitched. She allowed six hits, issued three walks and struck out eight. 

Morgan Fortune finished 2-for-4 for Clinton and drove in five runs. Kianna Easton and Brooke Reeves scored twice. Kylie Raymer and Easton had RBIs for the Lady Maroons.

Easton started for Clinton in circle and allowed nine runs, five were earned on three hits, issued seven walks and struck out three. Reeves pitched five scoreless innings in relief and allow two hits, two walks and struck out three.

The Lady Maroons drop to 0-3 on the season. They travel to Decatur St. Teresa Friday afternoon.