The recent struggles continued last week for the Yakima Valley women's basketball team, which dropped a pair of games to Columbia Basin and Spokane to fall out of playoff contention.

Last Wednesday at CBC, the Yaks fell behind by 23 points at halftime on the way to a 76-46 defeat. Abby Gilbert was the lone YVC player in double figures with 15 points, while Britany Phillips added eight points and nine rebounds. Clarissa Schrock netted seven, Madisen King had five points and three steals, and Jada Mendoza delivered five points, five rebounds and two steals off the bench. YVC shot just 28.1% (18-of-64) from the floor and committed 23 turnovers. They were also rebounded 44-36 and made only 3-of-20 long-range attempts.

Saturday's loss at Spokane was even more humbling as the Yaks fell behind by 32 at halftime on the way to a 102-58 defeat — their fifth in a row. The Yaks bounced back to outscore the Sasquatch 27-26 in the third quarter, but a tough shooting night and 23 turnovers sealed their fate. Gilbert scored 17 to pace the offense, while Mikayla Christensen added a double-double with 11 points and 10 boards.

King and Mendoza also reached double figures with 10 points apiece as YVC shot 32.8% (21-of-64) from the field and 10-of-10 from the free-throw line. Phillips added six points and a team-high 12 rebounds, Gilbert posted five rebounds and three steals, and Sofia Alvarado notched four points and four rebounds in a reserve role.

The Yaks (3-10 NWAC East, 8-18 overall) will close out the season Wednesday at home against second-place Big Bend.