PASCO, Wash. – The Lane Titans’ remarkable season came to a close on Sunday in the NWAC Women’s Basketball Championship, as they fell just short against Walla Walla, 65-58, in the final at Columbia Basin College. Despite the loss, the Titans finished the year with an incredible 32-1 record, making a deep tournament run and nearly securing a third consecutive NWAC title.
The Titans entered the championship game as the defending NWAC champions and were on the verge of a historic undefeated season. Lane showed resilience and determination throughout the game, battling back from a tough second quarter and taking the lead late in the fourth before Walla Walla closed on a 10-0 run.
Tournament standout Micah Wicks led the Titans with 25 points, hitting 9-of-18 from the field and knocking down two three-pointers. Lillee Duffin dominated the boards with a game-high 16 rebounds while contributing nine points. Kya Kanoho added seven points, and Emma McDonald had a well-rounded performance with five points, four rebounds, and three assists.
Lane started strong, taking a 16-9 lead late in the first quarter before Walla Walla closed the gap to 16-14. The second quarter saw the Warriors build a halftime lead, marking the first time all season the Titans trailed at the break. However, Lane responded in the third, with Wicks, McDonald, and Maitlin Young sparking a comeback that brought the Titans within two points heading into the final quarter.
Late in the fourth, Lane took a 58-55 lead on Wicks' clutch free throws with just over three minutes remaining. But in the final moments, Walla Walla managed to regain control, finishing the game on a scoring run to claim the championship.
While the final result wasn’t what the Titans had hoped for, their season was nothing short of spectacular. Lane’s 32-1 record, dominant performances throughout the year, and relentless effort in the championship game reaffirmed their place among the NWAC’s elite programs.
Lane Community College educates over 15,000 students annually at six locations across Lane County and online. Students and alumni from all 50 states and 79 countries create more than an $675 million dollar impact on the local economy, helping to support more than 8,900 local jobs. Lane provides affordable, quality, professional technical and college transfer programs; business development and employee training; academic, language and life skills development; and lifelong personal development and enrichment courses.