TACOMA, Wash. – Clark College's women's cross country team made its presence felt at the PLU Invitational on Saturday, gaining valuable experience against a deep NCAA Division III field. While the Penguins did not post a full team score, their individual performances stood out in the 6K race.

Freshman Pearl Tomulty paced Clark with a time of 28:46.3, breaking into the top 120 overall against a field loaded with established four-year programs. She was followed closely by Nayli Vergara, who clocked 31:40.2, while Ilia Field (33:21.2) and Myah Manzano (33:27.9) rounded out the Penguins' contingent.

For a young Clark squad still developing its depth, the PLU Invitational offered a crucial early-season test. Facing competitors from perennial powerhouses like George Fox, Whitworth, and Pacific (Ore.), the Penguins used the race to gain experience, measure progress, and build confidence heading into the heart of the season. Though Clark did not field enough runners for a team score, head coach Scott Cook emphasized the importance of these early-season meets in preparing for championship racing.  "This was an opportunity for our athletes to push themselves against tough competition," Cook said. "Every race is about growth, and we saw encouraging steps today."

TACOMA, Wash. – Clark College's men's cross country team took another strong step forward in its 2025 season at the PLU Invitational on Saturday, placing 12th overall in the highly competitive men's 8K field.

The Penguins, facing a deep lineup of NCAA Division III programs, packed well through the middle of the race.. Freshman Dekota Houfek led the charge, clocking 28:47.2 to finish 91st overall and secure the first scoring spot for Clark. Close behind was Tate Armstrong, who battled through the second half of the race to finish in 29:40.1 for the team's No. 2 position. Sophomore Liam Deviney added a steady performance in 30:18.2, while Evan Hollis (30:35.0) and Aiden Hadlock (31:06.6) rounded out Clark's top five scorers. Veterans Ben Carter (31:21.1) and Hayden Davis (32:32.0) provided additional depth, with freshman Clivine Abuya earning valuable racing experience in his first invitational, crossing the line in 35:43.4.

Clark finished with 352 points, ahead of several community college and club teams, while competing head-to-head with some of the region's strongest four-year programs.  "This meet is always a test, and I was really proud of how our guys fought through the middle stages," said head coach Scott Cook. "We're building not just fitness but confidence, and today showed the potential we have when we run as a unit."

The Penguins will look to continue their momentum as they prepare for their next opportunity to compete on October 4th at the Willamette Invitational.

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