The Yakima Valley women's basketball team continued its blazing start over the weekend, picking up three more wins to push its preseason record to 8-1. All but one of the Yaks' victories have been by double-digits, with the only close call coming in Saturday's eight-point win over Olympic.

YVC started the NWAC Crossover Tournament at Mt. Hood Community College with a 76-55 win over Pierce on Friday. Britany Phillips led the way with 24 points, 12 rebounds and four steals, helping the Yaks take an eight-point halftime lead. Gwen Dawes added 11 and five rebounds off the bench and reserve Jewelisa Landa scored 10 points to go with four steals and four rebounds as YVC shot 40% (32-of-80) from the floor. Ashlynn Sylve posted seven points, eight rebounds and four assists, and Brooklynne Sylve tallied eight points, helping YVC extend its lead to 19 with a 25-14 third-quarter run.

The next night against Olympic, the Yaks fell behind early but went on a 20-5 run in the second quarter to earn a 70-62 win. Ashlynn Sylve put up 20 points, five assists, four rebounds and three steals, while Landa scored 19 off the bench, including four 3-pointers. Phillips had 10 points and seven boards, Brooklynne Sylve delivered five points and seven rebounds, and Sofia Alvarado tied for the team lead with seven rebounds off the bench. Landa also had four rebounds and three steals as YVC shot 40.7% (24-of-59) from the floor.

Phillips returned to form in the tournament finale on Sunday, posting team highs of 25 points and 11 rebounds to help the Yaks to an 85-59 victory. Ashlynn Sylve stayed hot with 21 points, eight rebounds and four steals, while Landa recorded 14 points, three assists and three steals in a reserve role as YVC built a 44-25 halftime lead. Brooklynne Sylve added eight points and eight rebounds, Jemini Davis had four points and six boards, and Dawes connected for eight points off the bench.

The Yaks will spend the first week of their winter break in Arizona with three games against Mesa Community College, Chandler-Gilbert Community College and Scottsdale Community College.