A return to familiar surroundings has resulted in three straight wins to start the year for the Yakima Valley women's basketball team. After dropping three straight games to top-flight opponents on a recent trip to Arizona, the Yaks have returned to their winning ways, including a 2-0 start to NWAC East play.

In the conference opener last Wednesday, YVC took a 14-point halftime lead on the way to a 62-49 win over Blue Mountain at Sherar Gymnasium. Ashlynn Sylve posted 15 points, five rebounds and three assists, while Gwen Dawes put up 10 points and nine boards off the bench. Jewelisa Landa and Sofia Alvarado scored nine apiece and Britany Phillips tallied eight points and eight rebounds as the Yaks shot 36.5% (27-of-74) from the floor.

The team faced a tougher test Saturday on the road at Wenatchee, overcoming a 12-point halftime deficit to earn a 69-64 victory. Philips led the way with 24 points and 16 rebounds, helping the Yaks go on a 28-12 run to finish the game. Sylve posted 24 points and 11 steals — to go with five rebounds, five assists and two blocks — while Dawes chipped in with nine points and 10 boards. Avery Schumacher scored eight and nabbed three steals as YVC overcame a cold shooting night, going 30.7% (23-of-75) from the field.

The Yaks (11-4 overall) will look to keep their momentum going Wednesday at Columbia Basin, followed by a home matchup against Treasure Valley on Saturday.