Peninsula Punches Ticket to Final Four with 71-57 Win Against Umpqua

PASCO, Wash. — Peninsula won the final three quarters to defeat Umpqua 71-57 to advance to the Final Four in Game 11 of the 2026 NWAC Women's Basketball Championship, presented by ICCU, on Sunday at Columbia Basin College.

The Pirates are back in the Final Four for the second-straight year and fourth time in the past five years. After falling behind 14-13 after the first quarter, Peninsula used a 20-12 advantage in the second quarter to lead 33-26 at halftime, eventually leading by as many as 17 in the third quarter. The Pirates, who shot under 27 percent from beyond the arc during the season, went 9-for-21 on threes for a 43 percent clip.

The first quarter began with Peninsula's Kimberlee Brown draining a three-pointer assisted by Carliese O'Brien, giving the Pirates an early lead. Alecsis Smith contributed significantly with a block at the 9:19 mark and finished at the rim for two layups, one assisted by Makena Patrick, helping the Pirates maintain a slight edge. However, UCC's Rebekah Beltran sank a three-pointer with 1:56 remaining, and Sydnee Muntifering followed with another 3-pointer at 1:24 to push the Riverhawks ahead. Despite a late jumper from Aspen Fraser, the Pirates ended the quarter trailing the Riverhawks, 14-13.

Peninsula grabbed the lead in the second quarter, capitalizing on turnovers and showcasing strong outside shooting. Brown knocked down two three-pointers, including one at 7:53, assisted by Patrick, to widen the gap. Smith and Ryana Moss also added crucial points, with Moss sinking a three-pointer at 2:02. UCC struggled to keep pace despite Muntifering's three consecutive free throws late in the quarter. The period concluded with Fraser making one of three free throws following a foul on Muntifering, bringing the score to 33-26 in favor of the Pirates.

The Pirates extended their lead in the third quarter with a strong scoring performance. Patrick opened the quarter with a three-pointer at 9:25, assisted by Smith, boosting the lead to double digits. Brown followed with another three-pointer at 8:49, widening the gap. Malia Garcia contributed significantly, scoring six points, including a fast break jumper at 2:15 that marked the Pirates' largest lead of the game at 17 points. The Riverhawks attempted to rally, with Muntifering hitting a 3-pointer at 1:30, but the Pirates maintained their advantage, ending the quarter ahead 51-40.

The Pirates maintained their lead in the fourth quarter, never letting Umpqua get within 10 points as they continued to answer any comeback attempts. Key moments included a three-pointer by Haley Ostrander at 6:31, extending the lead to 58-42. Garcia went 4-for-4 at the free throw line down thte stretch. Despite the Riverhawks' efforts, including a 3-pointer from Giselle Muffett at 5:23, the Pirates' defense and consistent scoring held firm.

Brown led the team with 16 points with her shooting accuracy standing out, as she made six of her 11 field goal attempts, including four three-pointers. Malia Garcia also made a big impact, contributing 14 points off the bench while going 6-for-6 at the free-throw line. She added eight boards and three assists. Smith was a force in the paint, gathering six rebounds and scoring 12 points, while also adding two blocks to her stat line.

Muffett led UCC with an impressive performance, securing 11 rebounds and scoring 13 points, including three from beyond the arc. Kaelyn Shoemaker also had a strong showing, contributing 14 rebounds and 11 points to the team's efforts. Muntifering had two blocks while adding 11 points to the scoreboard. Marlee Reupena facilitated the offense with five assists and chipped in nine points.

The Pirates will next play in the Final Four on Friday, March 13 at 7 p.m., taking on defending champions Walla Walla at Columbia Basin College.