ABERDEEN, WA - Clark College's softball team had a day of highs and lows on Saturday, taking the opener 14–5 before dropping the nightcap 8–2 to Grays Harbor.
Game 1: Clark 14, Grays Harbor 5
Clark came out swinging in the first game, scoring four runs in the opening frame. Rylee Purdom started the rally with a single that drove in Delaney Bollman, followed by a two-RBI single from Dajah Paz that brought in Mylee Burrows and Zoey Mikkelsen. Clark never looked back, adding four more runs in the fourth inning highlighted by a two-run homer from Purdom and two unearned runs off Grays Harbor errors.
The Penguins' offense was well-distributed, with Rylee Purdom going 2-for-4 with four RBIs, Mylee Burrows hitting a double, and Kairi Rowand contributing two RBIs from the pitcher's spot. Baserunning was aggressive and effective, with Bollman, Jessica Tomberlin, and Madison Logan all swiping steals.
On the mound, Rowand earned the win, allowing five runs (all earned) over six innings while striking out three and issuing just two walks. Clark's defense had minor lapses, committing two errors, but the team's balanced attack ensured a convincing victory.
Game 2: Grays Harbor 8, Clark 2
The nightcap told a different story. Grays Harbor struck early, scoring four runs in the first inning aided by Clark errors and timely hitting. By the fourth inning, the home team had extended its lead to 8–0, putting Clark in a deficit they could not overcome.
Clark's offense finally got on the board in the fifth inning, with Jessica Tomberlin driving in Amber Barela. Another run came in the seventh inning on a double from Zoey Mikkelsen, scoring Tomberlin. Tomberlin led the Penguins at the plate with three hits and one RBI, while Barela added two hits and scored a run. Mikkelsen and Mylee Burrows each recorded doubles.
Kairi Rowand took the loss on the mound, giving up eight runs (four earned) over six innings while striking out five. Clark's defense committed three errors, allowing Grays Harbor to capitalize and maintain control throughout the game.
Looking Ahead
The split highlighted Clark's potential to dominate offensively, as seen in the opener, but also underscored the need for consistent pitching and defensive execution. The Penguins will aim to tighten up these areas as they continue their season, building on the momentum from their big win and lessons learned from the tough second game.
Clark's balanced lineup and aggressive base running will be key in their upcoming match ups, and fans can expect the Penguins to respond as they continue to push toward conference contention.
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