Clinton fell behind early and could not dig out of a five-run deficit in an 8-6 loss to Tuscola in Central Illinois Conference high school softball action on Thursday in Tuscola.

The Lady Warriors gradually pulled out to a 5-0 lead before the Lady Maroons answered with a four-run fifth inning. 

Anelise Thompson and Avery Smith hit back-to-back two-run scoring singles to cut the deficit to 5-4.

The Lady Warriors got a run back in its half of the inning to go up 6-4. Tuscola would add two more in the sixth inning. Hadley Humble scored two with a base hit in the top of the seventh inning, but Clinton could not get the tying run home with runners at first and second with two outs.

Ava Boyer led Tuscola, finishing 2-for-4 with a home run, a triple, and three RBIs. 

Smith was 2-for-4 with two RBIs to lead the Lady Maroons. Thompson was 1-for-4 with two RBIs and two runs scored. Humble was 2-for-4 with two RBIs, and Ariana Humes had a double.

Clinton is 2-5 overall and 0-1 in the CIC. They will host El Paso-Gridley on Saturday.