The Yakima Valley women's basketball team has had its hands full over the past week, facing the top three teams in the NWAC East standings in succession. After falling to third-place Treasure Valley on Jan. 18, the Yaks succumbed to the conference's top two teams, Big Bend and Walla Walla, last week.

Wednesday's road trip to Big Bend started off strong, with YVC taking a four-point lead after the first quarter. But the Vikings stormed back in the second quarter and managed to hold off the Yaks, 66-59. Britany Phillips posted team highs of 26 points and 11 rebounds, Mikayla Christiansen delivered 12 points and five rebounds, and Brynn Widner hauled down 10 rebounds to go with six points. Madisen King scored seven, Abby Gilbert added five, and Jada Mendoza notched three points and six rebounds off the bench. YVC shot 33.3% (23-of-69) from the field and was outrebounded, 43-39.

Saturday's matchup with league-leading Walla Walla provided a reality check for the Yaks, who were outscored in all four quarters on the way to an 89-47 defeat. Clarissa Schrock and Phillips both scored 11 to lead the YVC offense, while Gilbert and King scored eight apiece. Gilbert also added five assists, Phillips had five rebounds and Heather Power added seven boards off the bench. Widner scored four and dished out three assists on a night where YVC shot just 25.4% (16-of-63) from the floor.

The Yaks (2-4 NWAC East, 7-12 overall) will host Spokane on Saturday, followed by another home contest on Feb. 5 against last-place Blue Mountain.