Box Score

Purchase, N.Y. | The United States Merchant Marine Academy claimed the 2026 Skyline Conference Women’s Basketball Championship on Sunday with a hard-fought 63-59 victory over Manhattanville inside Kennedy Gymnasium on Sunday afternoon.

The championship unfolded as a grind from the start, with neither side able to create much separation as possessions were contested and points came at a premium. With the game still hanging in the balance in the fourth quarter, Merchant Marine (23-4, 18-2 Skyline) delivered the key stops to close out the 63-59 victory and claim the title.

Junior Emily Grasseler led the Mariners with 21 points, shooting 9-for-16 from the field. Sophomore forward Carolae Barton dominated the glass, finishing with 17 points and a game-high 26 rebounds, enroute to being named Most Outstanding Player.

Senior Hannah Ramsden added 10 points and sophomore Breanna Sommers chipped in 11 points.

The Mariners held a 48-23 rebounding edge and produced 34 points in the paint, which helped counter Manhattanville’s 32-point effort down low. The Valiants (21-6, 18-2 Skyline) were paced by Gabby Tucker, who scored 15 points and contributed four steals, while Amanda Orlando scored 13 and helped keep the Valiants within striking distance in the final stanza.

On Monday, the Mariners will find out where they are headed next weekend for the opening rounds of the 2026 NCAA Division III National Championship Tournament. Click HERE to watch the DIII Women's Basketball selection show scheduled for 2:30 p.m.