Vancouver, WA — March 14, 2026 — Clark College softball opened conference play Saturday at Raines Field with a doubleheader against Chemeketa Community College. Despite tough results in both games, the Penguins showed resilience and continued to compete throughout the afternoon.
Game One: Chemeketa Uses Early Offense
Chemeketa came out swinging in the first game, scoring three runs in the opening inning before adding a big second inning to take control early.
Clark pitcher Shayla Seppala started in the circle, facing a Chemeketa lineup that strung together multiple hits to build momentum. A three-run home run by Chemeketa catcher Kylie Caraphina highlighted the second inning surge that extended the visitors' lead.
Despite the early deficit, Clark continued to battle defensively. Kairi Rowand entered in relief and helped stabilize the game, tossing three innings while allowing just one run and limiting further damage.
Offensively, the Penguins managed to put runners on base but were held to one hit on the day, recorded by Isabella Marquez-West, as Chemeketa secured a 12–0 victory in five innings.
Game Two: Penguins Show Fight in Close Contest
Clark responded with a stronger performance in the second game, staying within reach throughout a competitive seven-inning matchup.
Chemeketa struck first with two runs in the second inning, but Clark remained patient at the plate and continued to apply pressure offensively.
The Penguins broke through in the fourth inning when Sophia Lawrence came around to score after a defensive miscue, cutting the deficit to 2–1.
Chemeketa extended its lead in the sixth inning on a two-run triple from Caraphina, but Clark answered again in the bottom half of the inning. Rylee Purdom crossed the plate after a sacrifice play by Isabella Marquez-West, bringing the Penguins within 4–2.
Clark threatened late but could not complete the comeback.
Key Performances
Purdom led the Penguins offensively in Game Two with two hits, while Lawrence added a double and scored a run. Marquez-West contributed an RBI and helped manufacture runs with aggressive baserunning and situational hitting.
In the circle, Delaney Bollman worked five innings while Mylee Burrows provided two scoreless innings of relief to keep Clark within striking distance late in the game.
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