VANCOUVER, Wash. - The Clark College women's basketball team put up a valiant effort on the road but fell just short in a heartbreaker against Chemeketa, 69-68, on Wednesday evening at the Storm Center.

The Penguins led by as many as 10 points in the fourth quarter but couldn't hold off a late Chemeketa surge. Despite a balanced team effort and a strong performance from Emily Peabody, who led Clark with 16 points and six rebounds, the home team managed to edge out the win with clutch free throws down the stretch.

Mia Hicks-Oliver added a double-double with 13 points and 11 rebounds, while Oria Boyd contributed 16 points, four steals, and three assists. Clark dominated the glass, outrebounding Chemeketa 43-36, and capitalized on second-chance opportunities with 16 points.

The game was a back-and-forth battle, with five ties and multiple lead changes. Clark started strong, taking an 18-16 lead after the first quarter, but Chemeketa responded with a 19-point second quarter to go into halftime with a 35-31 advantage. A dominant third quarter from the Penguins, where they outscored the Storm 25-15, put them in the driver's seat entering the final period.

Clark built its largest lead at 10 points with just over six minutes remaining, but Chemeketa's Mady Diaz (25 points) led the comeback effort. A flurry of late baskets and key free throws ultimately sealed the one-point victory for the Storm.

The Penguins will look to bounce back in their next matchup as they continue NWAC play.

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