Megan Mullings proves why she was crowned Super League Basketball Women’s MVP with an unstoppable performance in the Playoff Final.

The Sheffield Hatters were tipped to win it all as the 2025-26 season commenced. Being heavy favourites is one thing, making it happen is another.

Vanessa Ellis created an environment where winning is not just a habit, it is a culture. Sheffield’s dominant season has been fuelled by talent, determination, and a ruthless mentality that cannot be taught.

Clinching the Betty Codona Trophy in February was the catalyst for a historic season. Only the Caledonia Gladiators stood in their way of becoming only the second team in history to win all four domestic trophies in one season.

How the action unfolded

Sheffield set out to end this final early with a scintillating start — racing to a 13-2 run in just four minutes of play.

However, eight points from Tess Amundsen before the first period ended settled her teammates and ensured the Gladiators did not lose hope before this matchup had truly begun.

The second quarter began, and so did Megan Mullings’ dominance in the paint. Two quick layups, either side of two free throws, again swung momentum in the favour of the regular-season champions.

Georgia Gayle showcased her importance to Sheffield even when she was not getting on the scoreboard by contributing two rebounds and two assists.

After building a 14-point lead by halftime, the Hatters appeared on course to claim their fourth trophy of the season — but the game was far from over.

Gladiators refused to lay down their swords

Defensively, Caledonia appeared to find an effective formula as the third quarter began — holding their opponent to just 15 points, but the issues came offensively.

Tierra Hodges struggled to find her rhythm under the basket. Mathilde Domenger, Maura Fitzpatrick, and Brynn Masikewich combined for 12 points, although it was not enough to prevent Sheffield from extending their lead further.

If the Gladiators were going to pull off a historic comeback, it had to be in the fourth quarter. They needed class, effort, and luck combined to avoid falling to a second finals defeat of the season.

Despite having a fourteen-point lead with around five minutes left on the clock, panic suddenly set in for the Hatters.

First came a huge shot from deep by Amundsen, and then the unexpected onslaught commenced. 30 seconds later, Amundsen struck from the same point again.

Suddenly, Masikewich and Anastasia Warren got in on the action. Before Caledonia knew it, the deficit had evaporated to just three points with three minutes left on the clock.

The Hatters needed an answer and fast. Step forward, Jessica Eadsforth-Yates. The dynamic guard let one fly from three-point range and slightly calmed the nerves of Sheffield, yet Caledonia continued to fight.

Both teams continued to exchange blows, Megan Mullings was handed her marching orders by the officials, and the game became frantic.

However, experience is everything, and the Sheffield Hatters ooze it. A vital defensive play and a quick transition saw Georgia Gayle head to the line and drain her final two free throws of the game with elite composure, sending her team into dreamland.

They had done it. Vanessa Ellis and the Sheffield Hatters had written their name into the history books, lifting their FOURTH trophy of the season.

Final Score: Sheffield Hatters 73-66 Caledonia Gladiators

Player of the Game: Megan Mullings (Sheffield Hatters)