VANCOUVER, Wash. — Clark College battled through two tightly contested games at Raines Field, earning a dramatic extra-inning victory before falling in the nightcap to split the doubleheader with Big Bend Community College.
The Penguins showcased resilience in Game 1 with a thrilling comeback, but were held to just two hits in Game 2 as the Vikings salvaged the split.
Game 1: Penguins Rally for Walk-Off Win
Clark erased an early four-run deficit and walked it off in the ninth inning for a 6-5 victory in the opener.
Big Bend jumped out to a 4-0 lead through two innings, capitalizing on aggressive baserunning and defensive miscues. Clark starter Kairi Rowand settled in after the early damage, striking out six over five innings to keep the Penguins within reach.
Clark chipped away offensively behind Rylee Purdom, who went a perfect 3-for-3 with two RBIs. She drove in Delaney Bollman in both the third and fifth innings to cut the deficit to 4-2.
After Big Bend extended its lead to 5-2 in the sixth on a solo home run, the Penguins answered immediately. An error allowed Shayla Seppala to drive in a run, and Bollman later drew a bases-loaded walk to make it 5-4. In a heads-up baserunning sequence, Bollman stole second and Seppala swiped home to tie the game at 5-5.
Bollman was dominant in relief, tossing four shutout innings while allowing just two hits to earn the win.
In the bottom of the ninth, Clark completed the comeback. With runners aboard, Dajah Paz delivered a clutch RBI single to score Mercedez Berduo-Flores and seal the 6-5 walk-off victory. The Penguins pounded out 13 hits in the win, with Bollman swiping three bases to keep pressure on the defense throughout.
Game 2: Vikings Take Advantage Early
The nightcap saw Big Bend strike first once again. Taya Riner stole home in the first inning, and Dakota Brown added an RBI double in the second to give the Vikings a 2-0 edge.
Clark found its lone breakthrough in the fifth inning. After working runners into scoring position, Paz delivered again with an RBI single to cut the deficit to 2-1.
However, Big Bend added insurance late. Brown picked up her second RBI of the game with a sacrifice fly in the sixth, and Peyton Trautman added another run on a sacrifice in the seventh to push the lead to 4-1.
Abbey Anthony kept the Penguins off balance in the circle, throwing a complete game while limiting Clark to just two hits despite five walks.
Shayla Seppala went the distance for Clark in Game 2, striking out five while allowing three earned runs.
Day in Review
Across the doubleheader, Clark combined for 15 hits and showcased aggressive baserunning and timely hitting in its Game 1 comeback. Purdom led the offensive charge, while Bollman's performance both at the plate and in the circle proved pivotal in the opener.
The split reflects a competitive battle between the two programs, with Clark demonstrating its ability to respond under pressure while continuing to build consistency as the season progresses.
---
For the latest news and results, follow Clark Athletics on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram or sign up for our e-newsletter to stay up to date with the latest happenings!
