The Yakima Valley soccer team is surging, winning two NWAC East games in a row after a slow start to the season. With Wednesday's 3-2 home win over Treasure Valley, the Yaks improved to 2-1-1 in conference play (2-3-1 overall), putting them firmly in fourth place in the East.
 

After conceding a goal in the 15th minute, Nataly Pacheco finished off a pass from Jewelisa Landa five minutes later to tie the game at 1-1. Then, in the 30th minute, Addison Johnston connected with Esperanza Haro to give YVC a 2-1 halftime lead. Haro struck again two minutes into the second half before the Chukars clawed one back in the 50th minute. 
 

The Yaks finished the game with 15 shots on goal, led by Haro with five and Pacheco with four. Avah Farias and Addie Messner each put two shots on frame, while goalkeeper Caitlin Tobin collected five saves.

YVC picked up its first conference win last Saturday at home, trouncing Wenatchee 9-1 behind three goals and three assists from Farias, and two goals and three assists from Haro. McCoy Davis and Messner each delivered a goal and an assist, while Johnston and Derryn Bala also found the net. The Yaks took a 4-1 halftime lead and delivered 33 shots on goal, led by Haro with nine and Farias with five. 
 

Now undefeated in their past three outings, the Yaks will look to maintain their momentum Saturday at Columbia Basin, followed by a home matchup with league-leading Spokane on Sept. 30.