If the first six games of the 2025-26 season are any indication, the Yakima Valley women's basketball team is going to be a force to contend with in the NWAC East. The Yaks improved to 5-1 in the preseason last weekend with three relatively comfortable victories on their home floor, earning their fifth W in a row after a one-point loss in the season opener on Nov. 13.

In the home opener last Thursday against Centralia, four YVC players scored in double figures as the Yaks built an 11-point halftime lead. Britany Phillips tallied team-highs of 21 points and nine rebounds, while Ashlynn Sylve posted 17 points, seven rebounds and seven assists. Jewelisa Landa had 12 points and four rebounds off the bench, and Gwen Dawes scored 10 points on 4-of-5 shooting.

The next night, YVC let Mt. Hood hang around until halftime before going on a 21-5 run in the third quarter on the way to a 69-47 victory. Philips led the way again with 19 points and tied for the team lead in rebounds with five. Landa scored 14 in a starting role, Ashlynn Sylve added 12 and Brooklynne Sylve scored nine to go with five boards. Sofia Alvarado and Jemini Davis played significant minutes off the bench in the win, recording five and four points, respectively.

Saturday's 70-45 win over Edmonds was a similar story as the Yaks held an eight-point halftime advantage before outscoring the Tritons 23-6 in the third quarter. Ashlynn Sylve paced the offense with 17 points and tied for the team lead with eight rebounds. Phillips had 16 points and eight boards, and Brooklynne Sylve chipped in 14 points. Alvarado posted five points and five rebounds and Landa scored five as YVC shot 44.3% (27-of-61) from the floor.

The Yaks return to action this weekend with three games at Mt. Hood Community College in Gresham, Oregon, starting with Pierce on Friday.