The Yakima Valley women's basketball team broke out of its recent slump in a big way last week, earning a pair of conference wins to stay in the playoff hunt.
 

On Wednesday at Blue Mountain, the Yaks took a six-point lead into halftime and outscored the Timberwolves 16-9 in the third quarter on the way to a 63-48 win. Britany Phillips posted team-highs of 23 points and 15 rebounds, and Ashlynn Sylve racked up 15 points, four rebounds and six steals as YVC overcame a 32.9% (24-of-73) shooting night. Jewelisa Landa added 13 points and four steals off the bench and Brooklynne Sylve had four points, six rebounds, two assists and two steals.
 

The Yaks were on the road again Saturday and managed to hold off a late surge by Spokane to prevail 67-61. opened up 20-7 lead in the first quarter and led by 16 at the half, but the Sasquatch narrowed the gap down the stretch to make things interesting. Phillips led the way with 26 points and four steals, and Ashlynn Sylve delivered 10 points, five rebounds, two steals and two blocks. Brooklynne Sylve contributed seven points, five rebounds and two assists, Gwen Dawes added eight points and three boards off the bench, and Landa scored seven. The Yaks improved their shooting percentage to 44.9% (22-of-49) and won the rebounding battle, 30-29.
 

Now tied for fourth place in the NWAC East at 5-3, the Yaks (14-7 overall) will host Wenatchee on Feb. 7, followed by a road trip to Treasure Valley on Feb. 11.