Warriors Make Return to Championship Game with 74-62 Win Against Peninsula
PASCO, Wash. — The Walla Walla Warriors will once again play for an NWAC title, defeating Peninsula 74-62 on Friday night in Game 14 of the 2026 NWAC Women's Basketball Championship, presented by ICCU, at Columbia Basin College.
The Warriors continued to prove their resiliency this season with a gritty 12-point victory to end the Final Four round. Walla Walla used a 55-33 advantage on the boards to earn extra possessions as they shot just under 40 percent for the game and went 17-for-22 at the free throw line. Logan Sailors was big offensively with 29 points, as she made 11-of-14 free throws.
The first quarter began with the Pirates' Alecsis Smith hitting a three-pointer at 9:24, giving the visitors an early lead. Walla Walla quickly responded, with Addy Laible scoring a layup at 7:51, and Logan Sailors tying the game at 7:20 with a free throw. Averee Osterhout then put the Warriors ahead with a three-pointer at 6:52. Marisela Contreras extended the lead to five points with a three-pointer at 3:49. Despite a late free throw by Carliese O'Brien for Peninsula, WWCC ended the first quarter with a 15-11 advantage.
Sailors played a pivotal role in Walla Walla's second quarter surge, contributing with a three-pointer and a pair of successful free throws, extending its lead to 20-14. The Warriors' defensive strength was evident, highlighted by Hadley Fraas and Sidnee Geerdes, who both capitalized on offensive rebounds for points in the paint. Peninsula's Smith and Carliese O'Brien attempted to close the gap, with O'Brien hitting a three-pointer at 4:03 to bring the score to 25-19. However, Walla Walla maintained its momentum, with Sailors assisting Fraas for a layup at 00:38, securing a 37-22 advantage at halftime as WWCC outscored Peninsula 22-11 in the second quarter.
Peninsula began the third quarter with an aggressive offense, quickly narrowing Walla Walla's lead. Smith was instrumental for the Pirates, scoring multiple layups and contributing defensively with significant rebounds. WWCC responded with key plays, including a three-pointer by Ella Johnson at 4:31, assisted by Osterhout. Despite the Pirates' effort to close the gap, the Warriors maintained their lead, highlighted by Contreras' three-pointer at the buzzer, giving WWCC a 52-42 advantage heading into the final quarter.
The Warriors secured a decisive victory over Peninsula with a 74-62 final score. Sailors stood out, contributing key points, including a layup at 9:19 that extended WWCC's lead to 54-42. Despite a strong effort from the Pirates' Smith, who consistently scored in the paint, Walla Walla maintained control with consistent free-throw shooting, highlighted by Osterhout's late free throws. The Warriors capitalized on their opportunities, particularly from the charity stripe, converting 14-of-18 free throws in the final quarter to ensure the win.
Sailors was key for Walla Walla with her 29 points to go with seven rebounds. Allie McKenna provided a strong presence on the boards, leading with 10 total rebounds. Osterhout was a key facilitator, recording six assists to guide the team's offensive play. Fraas added nine points and eight rebounds.
Smith was a standout performer for the Pirates, recording a team-high 20 points while also contributing significantly on the boards with 14 rebounds to go with three blocks. Malia Garcia also made a substantial contribution, scoring 11 points and grabbing three rebounds, while adding two assists to her stat line. Makena Patrick was effective from the field, scoring 10 points and collecting three rebounds.
Walla Walla will once again face an undefeated team in the championship game, taking on Clackamas on Sunday at 3 p.m. The Warriors will look for their second-straight championship and fifth overall. Peninsula finishes another impressive season with a 24-5 record, a North Region title and another Final Four appearance.