Warriors Survive Final Shot to Win Title Game Rematch 62-61 Against Lane

PASCO, Wash. — In a highly anticipated rematch of the 2025 championship game, Walla Walla defeated Lane 62-61 in a thrilling Game 12 of the 2026 NWAC Women's Basketball Championship, presented by ICCU, on Sunday evening at Columbia Basin College.

The championship rematch did not disappoint as it came down to the final second of the contest. With the score tied, Walla Walla's Hadley Fraas was fouled with 0.9 seconds left, setting up a pair of free throws. Fraas hit the first free throw to put the Warriors up 62-61, but missed the second free throw. Lane quickly grabbed the rebound and called timeout, allowing them to advance the ball with 0.5 seconds left and setup a potential game winning shot. The Titans got the look, as Gretchen Orton's game-winning attempt hit front iron before bouncing off the backboard and out, sending the Warriors to the Final Four.

The first quarter of play saw Lane build a commanding lead over Walla Walla. The Titans opened with a strong offensive effort, highlighted by Alessa Soto's trio of 3-pointers, contributing significantly to their early advantage. Soto drained her first 3-pointer at 8:48, quickly followed by another at 8:21, and then a third at 7:34. WWCC's response was driven by Logan Sailors, who finished at the rim at 7:17 and later added a jumper at 3:41. Despite their efforts, the Warriors trailed the Titans 21-10 at the end of the quarter, as Lane's Gretchen Orton capped the quarter with a 3-pointer with only 9 seconds remaining.

Averee Osterhout led a strong offensive effort for the Warriors in the second quarter, contributing with a 3-pointer and a layup that helped close the gap against the Titans. WWCC's defense was also effective, with Allie McKenna recording a crucial steal that shifted momentum. Maitlin Young from Lane made a significant impact by scoring multiple jumpers in the paint, maintaining the Titans' lead. Lane held a slight edge, leading 32-28 at the end of the half.

In the third quarter, Lane initially extended its lead to 10 points with a 3-pointer from Lilly Schimel at 6:46. The Warriors responded with a timeout and then cut the deficit as Hadley Fraas drilled a 3-pointer at 5:53. Sailors contributed with a layup at 3:22, bringing WWCC within two points. In the final moments, Osterhout stole the ball and made a free throw, tying the game at 51-51 as the quarter ended.

The fourth quarter saw a back-and-forth battle that ended dramatically. Fraas hit a crucial 3-pointer early in the quarter, assisted by Osterhout, to help WWCC establish a lead. Young of Lane answered with a 3-pointer and later tied the game with a jumper at 58-58. WWCC's Addy Laible contributed with a jumper and a free throw, maintaining the host's slim advantage. In the final seconds, Fraas secured the victory with a free throw, as the defense held on after Orton's last second shot attempt fell out.

Fraas led the Warriors with another strong performance, scoring 20 points while securing 11 rebounds. She was efficient from the field, making 8 out of 14 attempts, including two 3-pointers. Laible was a dominant force on the boards, pulling down 18 rebounds, including an incredible 11 offensive boards, and adding 11 points. Sailors scored 15 points while Osterhout added 13 points and grabbed five rebounds.

The Titans showcased strong performances from several key players. Soto emerged as a standout, leading the team with 17 points, including five successful 3-pointers out of six attempts, and securing four rebounds. Young was key down the stretch with 15 points and two assists.. Orton led the team in both points and assists, scoring 20 points while adding six assists and grabbing nine rebounds. Savannah Schuck further bolstered the team's defense with her nine rebounds, alongside scoring four points.

The defending champion Warriors return to the Final Four and will next face Peninsula on Friday, March 13 at 7 p.m. The win for Walla Walla also means that all four Final Four teams are the No. 1 seeds and region champions, featuring the Warriors, Peninsula, Clackamas and Lower Columbia.