NFL
By: Ashmere Prasad
May 7 – San Francisco, Ca. – One thing about Bay Area fans is that they will show up for their team. 17,428 fans filled Chase Center with violet and black gear in support of the Valkyrie’s first preseason game. The energy was unmatched and the crowd roared throughout the arena like it was a playoff game. Although the Valkyries lost 83-82, the team was pleased with their first performance together.
Two minutes in, Monique Billings made history by scoring the first two points for the Valkyries. After Billings caught the ball at half court, Tiffany Hayes pulled away both defenders which left Billings wide-open.
The first-ever basket made in Golden State Valkyries history belongs to @moniquebillings! ? pic.twitter.com/8FBYzNTcYB
— Golden State Valkyries (@valkyries) May 7, 2025
Although the team did not deliver the offensive push they wanted, veteran Kayla Thornton shared words of encouragement in the locker room at halftime.
“Please don’t be discouraged because this our first time with all of us playing together and learning a new system.”
GSV made adjustments defensively to start the second half and aside from Plum’s jumper to open the period, they did not allow the Sparks to score until Plum was fouled at the 6:22 minute mark.
The Valkyries outscored the Sparks 32-18 in the third quarter and ended the period tied at 57.
Kate Martin hit a three with a minute left on the clock, and cut LA’s lead to three points. After a defensive stop, Martin was fouled at the three-point line. She hit all three shots to tie the game, and the arena went wild, as if it wasn’t loud already.
The Sparks slowly pulled away in the fourth and maintained a lead until the last second. Rookie Kaitlyn Chen checked in during the fourth and fans erupted with excitement. When asked about the warm welcome from the fans coach Natalie Nakase said, “she’s so loved from the basketball world in general. She just leaves everything out on the floor…She’s someone you can trust, but at the same time you can see she is fearless.”
Although this is the first time seeing the team on the floor, their energy is apparent, and regardless of the end result the fans will be there to show their support.
“I feel like a parent, but we’ve been working so hard. So to see everything unfold on a preseason game in front of that crowd, I’m just really proud.” (coach Natalie Nakase)
