PASCO, Wash. - Clark College bounced back to secure a hard-fought victory against Walla Walla with a 72-65 win in a thrilling contest. The game was a tense back-and-forth affair, with Clark ultimately showcasing its shooting prowess and defensive tenacity to come out on top.

Leading the charge for Clark was Mia Hicks-Oliver, who put together a stellar performance, scoring 20 points on 8-of-14 shooting, including a 1-of-3 mark from beyond the arc. Her effort in the paint and from the free-throw line (3-of-4) was crucial in keeping her team ahead in the closing moments. Payton Allen also played a key role, contributing 18 points, including an impressive 5-of-9 shooting from three-point range. The guard's ability to hit big shots from deep kept the Warriors on their heels throughout the game.

Not to be outdone, Emily Peabody was a force on both ends of the court, adding 14 points and 6 rebounds in 35 minutes of play. Her active defense also contributed to Clark's dominance in the turnover battle, where they forced 24 turnovers, converting them into fast-break opportunities.

The Penguins' defense was one of the key factors in the game, as they accumulated 18 steals, with Payton Allen (3 steals) and Mia Hicks-Oliver (2 steals) leading the way. The aggressive defense stifled the offensive flow of Walla Walla, especially on the perimeter, where they limited their opponents to a cold 25% shooting from beyond the arc (7-of-28).

The team's ability to lock down on defense was further highlighted by Ella Botnar, who grabbed 8 rebounds and had 3 steals in 28 minutes off the bench. Botnar's defensive presence and hustle plays were crucial in securing Clark's advantage, especially when they faced offensive droughts.

In addition to their starters, Clark's bench stepped up when needed. TT Gaopoa provided a spark with 2 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 steals in 18 minutes. Though her offensive numbers were modest, her defensive intensity helped in limiting Walla Walla's fast-break opportunities. Meanwhile, Ella Botnar came through with 12 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 steals in just 28 minutes. Botnar's well-rounded performance kept the pressure on the Warriors all game long.

Clark's ability to hit free throws also played a pivotal role, with the team shooting 66.7% (8-of-12) from the line, while Walla Walla struggled with only a 47.1% mark (8-of-17). This discrepancy, along with the defensive pressure and Clark's ability to capitalize on turnovers, made the difference in the game.

Clark will look to build on this solid victory as they continue their season. The team's defense, led by their perimeter pressure and rebounding, was a bright spot and will be crucial moving forward. With key contributions from multiple players, the Penguins demonstrated their depth and resilience in securing the win over Walla Walla.

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