A valiant effort through three quarters soured in the final frame as the Truckers lost to the Comets by a score of 39-36 on Thursday, Jan. 16.
Clintonville girls started strong, outscoring Waupaca 9-7 in the first quarter. The Comets bounced back in the second quarter and took a narrow 18-17 lead into halftime.
The Truckers turned up the intensity in the third quarter, outscoring Waupaca 13-10 to take a two-point lead going into the fourth quarter.
In the final frame, Waupaca outscored Clintonville 11-6 to escape with a three-point victory.
Caitie Carpenter led Clintonville with 12 points, while Ali Johnson added 11. Danielle Kiefer scored four, Etta Sorenson added three, and Autumn Voight, Olivia Wagenson and Jade Stilen all scored two points.
As a team, Clintonville made 12 of 26 shots (46 percent), while Waupaca made 10 of 23 (43 percent). Both teams connected on three 3-point attempts. Waupaca made 10 of 20 free throw attempts (50 percent), while Clintonville made 3 of 8 from the charity stripe (37 percent).
Waupaca outrebounded Clintonville 13-11, but the Lady Truckers had 11 steals compared to Waupaca’s six. Clintonville also blocked four shots.
The Comets turned the ball over 18 times, while Clintonville coughed it up 21 times. The Truckers were whistled for 17 fouls, while Waupaca committed 12 fouls.
The Truckers play at home on Tuesday, Jan. 28. Opening tip is set for 7:15 p.m.