VANCOUVER, Wash. - Clark College faced a tough challenge on the road Monday evening, falling to Linn-Benton 80-71 in a competitive matchup.

The Penguins began the game slowly, trailing 19-10 after the first quarter. Despite the rough start, their resilience kept them in the contest.

Sophomore Mia Hicks-Oliver spearheaded the offensive effort for Clark, finishing with 27 points. She shot 9-for-22 from the field, including three three-pointers, and contributed on the defensive end with four steals. Emily Peabody added a double-double with 11 points and eight rebounds, and Oria Boyd made her presence felt in the paint with 13 rebounds and eight points.

The Penguins turned up their intensity in the second half, highlighted by a 28-point explosion in the third quarter. They battled on the boards all night, pulling down 58 total rebounds—27 of them offensive—to give themselves opportunities for second-chance points. Boyd and Peabody were instrumental in this effort, frequently wrestling away missed shots to keep possessions alive.

Clark's defensive pressure also began to create opportunities, with players like Jayda Jackson swiping four steals and Ella Botnar showcasing her versatility with nine points and nine rebounds. The Penguins trimmed Linn-Benton's lead to single digits several times in the fourth quarter but couldn't completely close the gap.

Ultimately, Linn-Benton's efficiency, particularly in the paint where they outscored Clark 22-6, proved to be the difference. A strong 28-point fourth quarter from the Roadrunners put the game out of reach despite Clark's spirited effort.

With the loss, Clark's record stands at 9-10 overall and 1-4 in conference play. They will aim to regroup and refocus ahead of their next matchup against Potland at home Wednesday, 1/22.

---

For the latest news and results, follow Clark Athletics on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram or sign up for our e-newsletter to stay up to date with the latest happenings!