VANCOUVER, Wash. - The Clark College Softball team put on an offensive showcase but ultimately fell short in a 19-15 loss to Treasure Valley in their home opener on Sunday. Despite strong efforts at the plate, the Penguins were unable to contain the Chukars' explosive innings in Game 1.
The Penguins came out swinging, posting a six-run second inning to take an early lead. Clark added another run in the third before Treasure Valley responded with a 10-run fifth inning that shifted momentum. Clark battled back with a five-run sixth inning, but the Chukars sealed the game with eight runs in the seventh.
Clark's offense was on full display, tallying 18 hits in the contest. Leadoff hitter Annali Lindersmi went 3-for-6 with two runs and an RBI, including a double.
Ashley Griffith added four RBIs, while
Rylee Purdom delivered a clutch two-run double. The Penguins showed resilience at the plate, capitalizing on scoring opportunities with runners in position.
On the mound, Griffith started for Clark, pitching six innings and striking out six while allowing 13 runs.
Delaney Bollman came in as relief in the seventh but struggled to contain Treasure Valley's offense.
Defensively, Clark faced challenges, committing three errors. Despite the miscues, the team showed flashes of solid fielding, turning key outs and limiting additional damage in certain frames.
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The Penguins game back for Game 2 with a tough 12-1 loss to Treasure Valley on Sunday afternoon. Despite a strong effort from the Penguins, a late-game surge from the Chukars sealed the contest in six innings.
Treasure Valley got on the board early, scoring three runs in the first inning and setting the tone for the matchup. The Clark defense managed to settle in over the next few frames, holding their opponents scoreless in the second and third innings. However, the Chukars broke through again with a run in the fourth and then exploded for eight runs in the sixth inning, putting the game out of reach.
Clark's lone run came in the fifth inning when sophomore shortstop Natalie Mace reached base and eventually crossed home plate to break the shutout. The Penguins recorded seven hits in the game, with Ashley Griffith and Sophia Laurence leading the charge, each notching two hits. Griffith also added a double to the stat sheet.
On the mound, starting pitcher Lily Ferres battled through five and two-thirds innings, surrendering 12 runs on 14 hits while striking out two. Delaney Bollman came in for relief, facing two batters in the final frame.
Despite the loss, the Penguins showcased some promising moments at the plate and in the field. The defense turned a key double play, and the team successfully stole two bases. Clark also forced Treasure Valley into committing three errors, showing their ability to put pressure on the opposing defense.
Clark College will look to bounce back in their next game as they continue their early-season schedule. The Penguins remain determined to build on today's experience and come out stronger in their upcoming contests.
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