It was a difficult week for the Yakima Valley women's basketball team, which suffered two decisive defeats to fall to 3-3 in NWAC East play.

A slow start Wednesday at home against Big Bend resulted in an 87-59 loss at Sherar Gymnasium. Britany Phillips delivered 26 points and nine rebounds on the night, but the Yaks were unable to recover after being outscored 31-15 in the second quarter. Ashlynn Sylve added 17 points and eight boards, and Jemini Davis scored eight as YVC shot 33.9% (20-of-59) from the floor, including 3-of-12 from long range.

Saturday's visit to Walla Walla saw the Yaks shoot just 31.3% (20-of-64) on the way to an 85-51 loss — the Yaks' third in the past four outings. The Warriors won all four quarters, building a 19-point halftime advantage and holding YVC to only eight points in the third quarter. Sylve put up a team-high 15 points to go with seven rebounds, six assists and three steals, but she made only seven of her 27 shot attempts.

Jewelisa Landa matched Sylve with 15 points, making 5-of-6 from behind the arc after struggling from the floor in Wednesday's outing. Phillips added 10 points and seven rebounds on a night where YVC was outrebounded 47-28.

The Yaks (12-7 overall) will look to shake off their recent struggles with road trips this week to Blue Mountain and Spokane this week. Both teams sit near the bottom of the conference standings, while YVC is currently in fifth, a game behind Treasure Valley and Columbia Basin for the East's fourth playoff spot.