Marshall Claims First-Ever WNIT Championship with Dominant Title Game Victory

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — The Marshall Thundering Herd etched their name into program history Saturday, capturing the 2026 Women’s National Invitation Tournament (WNIT) championship with a commanding 66–41 victory over Illinois State.

The title marks the first WNIT championship in Marshall women’s basketball history, capping off a remarkable postseason run and a breakthrough season under second-year head coach Juli Fulks.

Fast Start Sets the Tone

Marshall wasted no time asserting control, fueled by a sensational performance from senior guard Timaya Lewis-Eutsey, who delivered one of the most dominant outings of the tournament.

Lewis-Eutsey scored 27 points, including 14 in the opening quarter, immediately putting Illinois State on its heels. She shot an efficient 12-of-17 from the field and knocked down all three of her attempts from beyond the arc. 

Her early scoring burst helped the Herd build a double-digit advantage, and Marshall never relinquished control.

By halftime, Marshall led 31–21, and a decisive 12–0 run to open the third quarter effectively put the game out of reach. 

Complete Team Effort

The Herd’s dominance extended beyond their star guard. In a testament to their depth and balance:

• All 10 Marshall players who saw action scored in the championship game 
• The team shot 49% from the field
• Their defense held Illinois State to just 29.2% shooting and three made three-pointers 

Marshall’s defensive pressure also neutralized Illinois State’s top scorer, Doneelah Washington, who was held scoreless after missing all seven of her shot attempts. 

Road to the Title

Marshall’s championship run showcased resilience and momentum:

• Defeated Arkansas State 69–62 in the semifinals to earn a home title game 
• Advanced through the bracket with wins over teams like Army and Youngstown State
• Finished the season with a 28–9 overall record

The Herd also delivered one of the tournament’s most impressive moments in the quarterfinals, closing a game against Army on a stunning 21–0 run to advance. 

Historic Achievement for the Program

The championship represents a major milestone for a program that had limited postseason success in recent years. Prior to this run, Marshall had never won a WNIT title and had only one previous appearance in the tournament. 

Under Fulks, the program has rapidly transformed into a contender, culminating in what is now the most significant postseason achievement in school history.

Looking Ahead

With a veteran core and a proven postseason pedigree, Marshall’s breakthrough could signal the start of sustained success. The 2026 WNIT title not only delivers a trophy—but also establishes the Thundering Herd as a rising force in women’s college basketball.

For now, however, the moment belongs to a team that dominated from start to finish and brought a championship home to Huntington.