Portland, Ore. - The Clark College Penguins saw their postseason dreams come to a dramatic and emotional close, falling to Clackamas in a 12-11 back-and-forth thriller that marked the end of a gritty and resilient 2025 campaign.

In a game that featured 25 hits, five lead changes, and late-inning heroics from both dugouts, Clark showed heart until the final out—but it wasn't enough to outlast a powerful Clackamas offense that delivered the game-winning run in the bottom of the seventh.

A Fight from the First Pitch

After Clackamas jumped out to a commanding 5-0 lead in the first inning—capitalizing on a barrage of hits including RBI knocks from Jocelyn Rush, Ailee Young, and Atianna Vainuku-Johnson—Clark refused to let their season end quietly. The Penguins stormed back in the second and third innings, chipping away at the deficit behind a key RBI single from freshman standout Paige Scoggin and a productive out from Annali Lindersmith that plated another.

By the third, Clark had clawed their way to a 5-5 tie, showing the kind of fight that defined their season.

Mikkelsen Delivers in the Clutch

The bats stayed hot in the fifth and sixth innings, where sophomore slugger Zoey Mikkelsen shined brightest. Her towering three-run home run in the fifth pulled Clark within one, and her two-RBI double in the sixth gave the Penguins their first lead of the game at 11-10. Mikkelsen finished 2-for-3 with five RBIs, capping a breakout postseason performance.

Natalie Mace also came through in a big way, driving in two runs and scoring twice herself, while Rylee Purdom crossed the plate three times. The offense tallied 14 hits total, with contributions up and down the lineup.

Late-Inning Gut Punch

But the Penguins' lead was short-lived. Clackamas tied the game in the bottom of the sixth on a double by Taylor Thompson, then took the lead for good in the seventh on a groundout by Kylie Carapinha that scored Kendall Wickizer from third.

Clark's pitching staff—led by Lily Ferres and Delaney Bollman—battled through a dangerous Clackamas lineup that put 17 hits on the board. Despite the offensive firepower, Clark's arms showed grit and resilience, pitching out of multiple jams to keep the team within striking distance.

End of the Road

With the final out, the Penguins' postseason run came to an end—just one game shy of advancing. Despite the heartbreak, this game encapsulated everything Clark softball stood for this year: grit, heart, teamwork, and belief.

The loss concludes a memorable season for Clark, one marked by growth, chemistry, and breakthrough performances across the board. With plenty of ups and downs, this season ends the 8-year postseason drought for the Clark College Softball program. 

The Penguins now have the offseason to rest and recover as they look to turn their sights to the 2026 campaign. 

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