The Yakima Valley women's basketball team is off to a 2-1 start in the preseason after three strong performances at the Harold Williams Invitational in Portland.

With just a handful of returning players from last year's team, coach Lanette Hooper's squad showed an ability to score in bunches, posting convincing wins over Mt. Hood and Portland following a one-point loss to open the tournament.
In the season opener on Thursday, freshman Jewelisa Landa nailed four 3-pointers on her way to a team-high 18 points off the bench as YVC dropped a narrow 63-62 decision to South Puget Sound. Landa also recorded five rebounds and four steals, while Ashlynn Sylve put up 15 points, four rebounds and three steals. One of last year's returners, Britany Phillips, posted 10 points and seven rebounds despite shooting just 4-of-17. Gwen Dawes and Brooklynne Sylve each scored six points as YVC shot 35.6% (21-of-59) from the floor.

The Yaks responded in a big way Friday, cruising past Mt. Hood, 72-46, behind 22 points, nine rebounds and four steals from Ashlynn Sylve. Phillips posted a double-double with 14 points and 21 rebounds, while Brooklynne Sylve delivered 12 points, six rebounds, four assists and four steals. Landa added eight points and Dawes had six as YVC took a 12-point halftime lead and outscored the Saints 22-13 in the fourth quarter.

The Yaks maintained their momentum Saturday with a 71-43 win over host Portland. Phillips led four players in double figures with 21 points and also grabbed 11 rebounds, helping YVC outscore the Panthers 44-18 in the second half. Avery Schumacher chipped in 15 points on 6-of-9 shooting, Landa had 13 points and seven rebounds off the bench, and Ashlynn Sylve posted 11 points, four rebounds and four assists. The Yaks finished 38.8% (26-of-67) from the floor and shot 31% (9-of-29) from long range, including five treys by Phillips.

YVC will continue preseason action Saturday at home against Highline.