Pike County’s slow start proved too much to overcome as the Lady Bulldogs lost to 6A Carroll 51-36 on Monday.

Despite the loss, coach Todd Reynolds believes the team took a step in the right direction.

“I have been trying to tell them that they have weathered the storm,” Carroll said. “It’s the end of the season now and they need to save the best for last. All those games don’t matter. I am seeing the players starting to peak, and I am seeing good fundamental basketball.”

Two things stood out to Reynolds.

“I like their attitude and I like their hustle,” Reynolds said. “That is all you can ask for.”

Attitude played a key role on Monday, as the Bulldogs failed to score until the opening minute of the second quarter when they were already behind 17-0. Carroll closed out the first half with commanding 25-8 lead.

In the second half the Bulldogs turned up the pressure. Led by Precious Vaznian and Na’Kieya McClain, Pike County outscored Carroll 15-13 and then carried that over into the fourth quarter where they played their best ball of the game.

“I try and convince McClain that she is a killer,” Reynolds said. “She has to believe in it. I can’t do it for her. She has to be willing to step up and do it and she did in that second half.

Vaznian led the Bulldogs with 11 points while McClain finished with eight, all of which came in the fourth quarter.

The Bulldogs will take on cross county rival Charles Henderson at 5:30 p.m. in Troy.