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Cockburn Cougars have completed a perfect 2026 TCD WABL Open Championship Women’s season, claiming back-to-back titles with a 78-63 victory over the Warwick Senators in Sunday’s Grand Final at Warwick Stadium.

The Cougars entered the decider as the competition’s only unbeaten side after finishing the regular season 13-0, while the Senators secured second place with a 12-1 record. Cockburn booked its place in the Grand Final with finals wins over the East Perth Eagles and Willetton Tigers, while Warwick defeated the Joondalup Wolves and Lakeside Lightning.

Cockburn established control early, taking a 20-15 lead at quarter-time before extending the margin to 41-31 at the main break. The game was effectively decided in the third quarter, with the Cougars producing a dominant 27-12 term to open up a commanding 68-43 advantage heading into the final period. Warwick responded by winning the fourth quarter 20-10, but the deficit proved too great to overcome as Cockburn sealed the championship with a 78-63 victory.

While the Cougars struggled from beyond the arc, connecting on 6-of-31 three-point attempts, they controlled the contest through relentless work on the offensive glass. Cockburn collected 18 offensive rebounds to create multiple second-chance opportunities, converting 20-of-43 shots from inside the three-point line.

The Senators produced similar shooting numbers, finishing 16-of-39 from inside the arc and 4-of-19 from three-point range, and while both teams were also evenly matched at the free throw line, the biggest statistical difference came in ball security, with the Senators committing 31 turnovers, including 16 Cockburn steals.

Open Championship Women’s All-Star Five recipient Ayla Pizzuto starred for the Cougars and was deservedly named Grand Final MVP after producing a game-high 29 points. The dynamic guard consistently attacked the basket, finishing 10-of-24 from the field, including 9-of-19 from inside the arc, while also recording a game-high six steals, seven rebounds and two assists.

Matilda Muir added 13 points and five rebounds off the bench for Cockburn, while Hannah Summers produced an all-round performance with 11 points, seven rebounds, three assists and four steals.

For the Senators, centre and fellow All-Star Five recipient Ashlee Monaghan led the way with 16 points, nine rebounds and three assists. Natalie Chisi contributed eight points and a game-high 10 rebounds off the bench, while three other Warwick players finished with eight points.

The victory caps a remarkable campaign for Cockburn, who finish the 2026 season undefeated at 16-0 and secure consecutive Championship Women’s titles after also lifting the trophy in 2025.

OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP WOMEN’S GRAND FINAL 2026
COCKBURN COUGARS 78 (Pizzuto 29, Muir 13, Summers 11)
WARWICK SENATORS 63 (Monaghan 16, Chisi 8)
Grand Final MVP: Ayla Pizzuto (Cockburn)
BOX SCORE
PlayHQ Game Centre Statistics
Game Replay @ Streamer.com.au