Titans Fire on All Cylinders in 92-47 Victory Against Green River

PASCO, Wash. — Lane lead start to finish in a dominant victory 92-47 over Green River in Game 8 of the 2026 NWAC Women's Basketball Championship, presented by ICCU, on Saturday night at Columbia Basin College.

The Titans opened the first quarter strong with a 3-pointer from Lilly Schimel, assisted by Gretchen Orton, just 16 seconds into the game. Schimel continued to dominate beyond the arc, draining three more 3-pointers, including one at 4:22 with an assist from Alessa Soto, contributing to their early lead. Orton's performance was notable, as she added a layup and a free throw, boosting the Titans' advantage to 23-10 by the end of the quarter. The Gators' scoring was led by Jayla Keowla, who contributed five points, but the visitors struggled with turnovers and were unable to keep pace.

Lane extended its lead significantly in the second quarter, outscoring GRC 18-5. Orton was a key contributor, scoring multiple layups, including one at the quarter's final second to bring the score to 41-15. The Titans dominated the boards with 17 rebounds compared to the Gators' 9, and maintained strong defense, recording two blocks. Despite the Gators' efforts, including a jumper from Jirah Villanueva, their shooting faltered, making only 2 of 17 field goal attempts.

In the third quarter, the Titans extended their lead over GRC with a strong offensive performance, outscoring the visitors 26-20. Soto contributed significantly with a layup just eight seconds into the quarter, assisted by Savannah Schuck. Orton added to the momentum by sinking a 3-pointer at 9:26, assisted by Schimel. Lane's defense was also effective, securing rebounds and forcing turnovers, with Orton swiping a steal and scoring a layup at 6:15. The quarter ended with Brooklyn Koberlein's last-second jumper, bringing the Titans' lead to 67-35.

The Titans secured a decisive victory over GRC with a commanding performance in the final quarter. Shelby Bruney initiated the scoring with a layup at 8:59, extending their lead. Brytlee Harris contributed significantly with a 3-pointer at 8:16, assisted by Koberlein, and Lily Cavanaugh hit another 3-pointer at 6:49, further widening the gap. Lily Smith was instrumental in the paint, adding multiple layups, including a crucial one at 3:46. The quarter ended with the Titans holding a dominant 92-47 lead, capped by Harris's layup with 50 seconds remaining.

The Titans showcased several standout athletes on Saturday. Orton led the team with 24 points, shooting 10-for-18 from the field while also contributing 11 rebounds, four assists, two blocks, and two steals, marking her as a key player in both scoring and defense. Schimel was impressive from beyond the arc, hitting five out of seven 3-point attempts and finishing with 17 points. Soto added to the offensive efforts with 10 points, making four of her seven field goal attempts, including two 3-pointers.

Keowla emerged as a key contributor for the Gators, leading them with 10 points, including a 3-pointer, while also grabbing four rebounds and blocking one shot. Villanueva showcased her versatility by scoring eight points, dishing out four assists, and collecting four rebounds.

Lane will next head to the Elite Eight where they will take on Walla Walla in a rematch of the 2025 championship game. Tip off is scheduled for 4 p.m. on Sunday. Green River completes a solid season with a 15-13 overall record, taking third place in the West Region.