VANCOUVER, Wash. - Despite a valiant effort and a late fourth-quarter surge, the Clark College women's basketball team fell to Portland by a narrow margin of 60-57 on Wednesday evening. The Penguins, playing at home, showcased resilience but couldn't close the gap in the final moments of the game.

The game started with both teams trading early buckets, but a slow second quarter for Clark (9-10, 1-5 NWAC) saw them score just 9 points, leading to a 27-22 halftime deficit. While the defense kept the team within striking distance, missed opportunities at the free-throw line (5-of-12) and struggles from beyond the arc (4-of-22) proved costly.

Freshman, Mia Hicks-Oliver, led the Penguins with an all-around performance, tallying 18 points on 8-of-20 shooting while pulling down six rebounds. Emily Peabody added 13 points and six rebounds but fouled out during the crucial closing minutes. Jayda Jackson chipped in with 10 points and nine boards, anchoring the interior defense against a physically imposing Portland front line.

Clark found its offensive rhythm in the fourth quarter, outscoring Portland 21-19 and closing the deficit to just three points with under a minute remaining. Key baskets by Oria Boyd and Hicks-Oliver electrified the crowd, but the team's rally was hampered by turnovers and missed chances at the charity stripe.

Portland (11-9, 4-3 NWAC) relied heavily on Lilly Walker, who dominated with 20 points and 7 rebounds while shooting 6-of-13 from the field. Walker's consistency from the free-throw line (8-of-9) kept the Panthers ahead during the late-game pressure.

The Penguins will have a chance to bounce back this Saturday, facing another conference foe. Fans are encouraged to come out and support the team as they aim to regroup and return to winning ways.

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