Clark (10-17, 6-8) controlled much of the opening half, taking a 14-12 lead after the first quarter and extending it to 28-18 by halftime. The Penguins' defense set the tone early, limiting Lane to just six second-quarter points while contesting nearly every shot.

But the third quarter proved decisive.

Lane (23-4, 11-3) erupted for 23 points in the period, nearly matching its entire first-half output. Maitlin Young caught fire from beyond the arc, finishing with 18 points and four three-pointers, while Alessa Soto added 10 points and 12 rebounds. The Titans' pressure defense and perimeter shooting flipped the momentum, turning a 10-point halftime deficit into a four-point lead heading into the fourth.

Clark remained within striking distance entering the final period, trailing 41-45 after three. However, offensive struggles resurfaced at the worst possible time. The Penguins were held to just two points in the fourth quarter, shooting woes that ultimately sealed the outcome.

Even in defeat, Clark's effort inside stood out. The Penguins dominated the glass 54-48, including 18 offensive rebounds. Emily Peabody delivered a standout performance, playing all 40 minutes and posting 21 points and 13 rebounds for a double-double. She went a perfect 7-for-7 from the free-throw line and consistently battled through contact in the paint.

April Cruz added eight rebounds — six on the offensive end — along with four steals and a block, while Mia Hicks-Oliver contributed nine rebounds to help Clark control possessions defensively.

Both teams struggled from the field, with Lane shooting 26.3 percent and Clark at 26.1 percent. The difference came from the perimeter and in key moments: Lane hit 10 three-pointers to Clark's two and capitalized during its explosive third-quarter run.

Clark showed resilience and defensive intensity throughout, particularly in the first half, but the third-quarter swing and fourth-quarter drought proved too much to overcome. The Penguins will look to build on their rebounding dominance and defensive stretches as they prepare for their next conference matchup.

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