Warriors Claim Back-to-Back NWAC Titles with 57-46 Win over Clackamas
PASCO, Wash. - The Walla Walla Warriors claimed their fifth program title and second in a row with a 57-46 victory over Clackamas in the final of the 2026 NWAC Women's Basketball Championship, presented by ICCU, on Sunday evening at Columbia Basin College.
The Warriors used an incredible defensive effort to hold previously unbeaten Clackamas to season lows in both points and field goal percentage (22.7%). Walla Walla used a huge first quarter lead of 21-4 to propel them to the victory, holding off the Cougars' second half comeback attempt. For a second-year in a row, the Warriors won the title by defeating a team that entered the final undefeated, last year beating then 32-0 Lane.
Sophomore Hadley Fraas was named the Tournament Most Valuable Player as she finished witha team-high 16 points and five rebounds in 36 minutes. Fraas led team in the tournament averaging 17.5 points per game, 9.5 reboundsper game while shooting 55.3 percent from the floor. Sophomore point guard Averee Osterhout was named the Most Inspirational Player of the tournament as she had 11 points, six rebounds and three assists in the championship game including going 9-for-11 at the free throw line.
Head coach Bobbi Hazeltine earned her fifth NWAC title, all with the Warriors. With back-to-back titles, she has now moved into sole possession of the second most women's basketball coaching titles in NWAC history.
The first quarter began with Walla Walla establishing a commanding presence, quickly pulling ahead with a 21-4 lead over Clackamas after the first 10 minutes. The large deficit eventually proved to steep for the Cougars to overcome against Walla Walla's top defense. Addy Laible opened scoring with a layup at 8:44, and the Warriors maintained pressure throughout, highlighted by Logan Sailors' 3-pointer at 5:48. Despite a brief response from the Cougars, including a jumper by Grace Hayashida at 5:58, WWCC's defense remained strong, limiting Clackamas to just two field goals in the period. Osterhout contributed with two free throws at 1:54, and Sidnee Geerdes capped the quarter with a layup, pushing the Warriors' largest lead to 17 points with 38 seconds remaining.
In the second quarter, WWCC maintained its advantage with Laible opening the scoring with a layup just 11 seconds into the period. Fraas extended the lead with a 3-pointer at 8:48, giving the Warriors a decisive 22-point lead. The Cougars responded with Pepper Smith's jumper, assisted by Mae Washington, at 8:33, initiating a brief rally. Despite Clackamas outscoring the Warriors in the quarter, 12-9, WWCC held a 30-16 lead at halftime, punctuated by two free throws from Ella Johnson with 28 seconds remaining.
Clackamas narrowed the gap in the third quarter, outscoring the Warriors 19-11. Sailors contributed with a layup at 7:44 to maintain the Warriors' lead, but the Cougars responded with free throws by Mollie Miller at 8:06, bringing the score to 18-30. By 3:37, Fraas added to the Warriors' tally with a layup, pushing the score to 39-24, but Clackamas struck back with a 3-pointer from Maddy Miramontes at 1:41, closing the score to 39-31. The period concluded with the Warriors holding a slight lead, 41-35, as Osterhout made two crucial free throws with 46 seconds left. Clackamas used a full court press in the second half to come away with quick steals and baskets, helping them to narrow the deficit to as close as six points.
The fourth quarter was a defensive slugfest as neither team could score a point for the first three minutes before Fraas broke the scoring drought with a jumper at 6:51. Clackamas was unable to score a point until Miller made a free-throw with 2:45 left in the quarter. Clackamas struggled with shooting consistency, going 2-for-21 from the floor in the fourth quarter. Despite the Cougars' efforts, including a late 3-pointer by Miller at 1:31, the Warriors' defensive rebounding and free throw accuracy ensured the win.
After Fraas and Osterhou, Sailors and Laible were the next top scorers with 10 points each for the Warriors. Laible also showcased rebounding skills, matching Allie McKenna with 11 total rebounds while blocking two shots.
Mae Washington stood out for the Cougars, leading the team in multiple statistical categories. She had game-highs of 21 points, 11 rebounds and six steals, making her presence felt on both ends of the court. Miller was another key performer, contributing 14 points with three rebounds and two blocks. Washington and Miller each played all 40 minutes. Pepper Smith had six rebounds and four points while Grace Hayashida added four rebounds and three steals.
The Cougars came away just one game short of completing an undefeated season, still finishing with an incredible record of 32-1 and a runner-up finish.
All-Tournament Teams
Most Valuable Player: Hadley Fraas, Walla Walla
Most Inspirational: Averee Osterhout, Walla Walla
First Team
Mollie Miller, Clackamas
Mae Washington, Clackamas
Shailoh Li'ili'I, Lower Columbia
Alecsis Smith, Peninsula
Logan Sailors, Walla Walla
Second Team
Alana Washington, Clackamas
Adrian Wright, Lower Columbia
Malia Garcia, Peninsula
Addy Laible, Walla Walla
Averee Osterhout, Walla Walla