Montana State Billings Women’s Basketball Claims GNAC Championship
Bellingham, Wash. – The Montana State University Billings women’s basketball team secured a historic victory on March 7, 2026, winning the Great Northwest Athletic Conference (GNAC) Championship with a 66-61 win over Western Washington University.1 This win marks the second GNAC Championship in program history and a first for a No. 6 seed in the conference’s history, dating back to 2011.4
Cinderella Run to the Championship
The Yellowjackets’ journey to the championship was unexpected, earning them the moniker of a “Cinderella” team.1 Their path included a surprising 79-74 victory over Central Washington in the GNAC semifinals, a game that Central Washington sought to avenge in the NCAA Division II West Regional.2
NCAA Regional Loss to Central Washington
Despite their GNAC Championship win, the Yellowjackets’ season came to an end in the first round of the NCAA Division II West Regional on March 12, 2026, with a 63-36 loss to the No. 1 seed, Central Washington University.2 Central Washington held MSUB to a season-low score, pulling away with a 13-2 run in the first half.2
Key Players and Performances
Fiona Snashall led Central Washington with 20 points and 9 rebounds, even as Capri Sims recorded a double-double with 15 points and 14 rebounds. Annalee Coronado added 17 points in her first start of the season.2 For Montana State Billings, Cassie Chesnut scored 11 points, followed by Harris with 8 and Momberg with 6.2
GNAC Tournament Details
Central Washington had previously defeated Montana State Billings 63-36 on March 5, 2026, in the first round of the GNAC tournament.3 However, MSUB went on to win the championship on March 7, 2026.1
Looking Ahead
Central Washington advanced to the West Regional semifinals, hosting No. 4 Vanguard and facing No. 2 Western Washington, and No. 3 Cal Poly Pomona in subsequent games.2
Cassie Chesnut of Montana State Billings was named the GNAC Championship MVP.4
1 Montana State University Billings Athletics
3 Central Washington University Athletics