PASCO, Wash. — Clark College showed stretches of toughness and resilience against undefeated Walla Walla on Saturday afternoon, but the Penguins couldn't overcome a slow start in a 79–51 loss at the NWAC Crossover.

Despite trailing early, Clark (0–4) delivered one of its grittiest performances of the young season, anchored by standout efforts from Mia Hicks-Oliver, Reaiah Hall, and Emily Peabody.

Hicks-Oliver led the Penguins with 16 points, six rebounds, and two steals, repeatedly attacking the paint and providing a steady scoring presence as Clark tried to chip away at Walla Walla's lead. Hall added 12 points, knocking down three three-pointers, while Peabody was active all over the floor with 13 points, seven rebounds, and three steals.

After falling behind 27–12 after the opening period, Clark responded with defensive intensity in the second quarter, holding Walla Walla to just 13 points and forcing several turnovers to stay within reach at halftime.

The Penguins produced their best offensive stretch in the third quarter, scoring 19 points—their highest-scoring frame of the day—behind strong drives from Hicks-Oliver and timely perimeter shooting from Hall and Yazmin Rios, who added five points, four rebounds, two blocks, and two steals.

Clark's defense also made its presence felt, tallying 11 steals and forcing 15 Warrior turnovers. The Penguins held Walla Walla to 30 percent shooting from beyond the arc and battled on the boards despite the Warriors' size advantage.

But Walla Walla's balance and efficiency—finishing with five players scoring in double figures and shooting 49 percent from the field—proved too much to overcome in the final period.

Still, Clark's competitive energy, defensive pressure, and improved ball movement—especially during the second and third quarters—showed clear signs of growth as the Penguins continue their preseason slate.

Clark returns to action next weekend as they look to build on Saturday's momentum and chase their first win of the season.