Sowah’s Explosion and Chen’s Growth Power Valkyries to 78-76 Preseason Win

SAN FRANCISCO — After a long and tumultuous 7-month offseason, the electricity is back in Ballhalla.

The atmosphere inside Chase Center felt like anything but preseason. In front of a sold-out crowd of 18,064, the franchise’s 23rd consecutive sellout, the Valkyries delivered a thrilling 78–76 comeback victory over the Seattle Storm.

Golden State’s performance was defined by resilience and shooting, particularly from beyond the arc. After trailing by nine at halftime, the Valkyries erupted in the second half, outscoring Seattle by 11 points and completely flipping the momentum of the game.

Their commitment to perimeter offense paid off in dramatic fashion, finishing 15-for-33 (45.5 percent) from three-point range. That sharp shooting not only erased the deficit but ultimately created the narrow margin needed to secure the win in the closing moments.

Veronica Burton set the tone early, continuing her strong form from last season. She poured in 14 points, going 4-for-7 from three-point range. Burton was especially impactful in the first half, accounting for the bulk of Golden State’s early offense while the rest of the team struggled to find rhythm from deep.

Then came the second-half surge, and with it, an electric performance from Miela Sowah. In just 14 minutes of action, Sowah delivered an insane shooting display, scoring 14 points on a perfect 4-for-4 from three-point range.

Her barrage of threes, including three in a rapid 65-second stretch during the fourth quarter, ignited both the team and the crowd. Head Coach Natalie Nakase captured the moment perfectly, saying, “She was just unconscious up there,” as Ballhalla erupted in response to Sowah’s breakout showing.

Sowah’s impact extended beyond scoring. With the game hanging in the balance, she made a poised and unselfish play, assisting on the go-ahead basket with 32 seconds remaining, a pass to Mariella Fasoula on a decisive drive that ultimately sealed the victory. It was a sequence that embodied the team-first mentality Nakase has emphasized throughout camp.

Kaitlyn Chen also stood out as one of the night’s most encouraging storylines establishing herself as a legitimate floor general. Logging a team-high 29 minutes, Chen finished with 11 points and three assists, demonstrating remarkable growth and improved confidence compared to her rookie season. Her play in extended minutes provided a glimpse of her potential role moving forward.

Kate Martin played a pivotal role in the third quarter turnaround, scoring six of her eight points during that stretch while also grabbing seven rebounds. Her timely shooting helped spark a 21–14 advantage in the period, which shifted the momentum firmly in Golden State’s favor.

Meanwhile, Kayla Thornton made her long-awaited return from injury, adding seven points in her first game since July 2025. Her presence alone was significant, but her aggressive play, including a transition finish through contact and a corner three, signaled that she is ready to reestablish herself as a key contributor.

Beyond individual performances, the Valkyries’ collective effort stood out. Eight different players connected from three-point range, highlighting the team’s versatility and offensive philosophy. That balance, combined with noticeable chemistry despite roster changes, left a strong impression on Nakase.

Reflecting on the game, she said, “I thought everyone in the second half contributed… the coolest thing… is playing for your teammates. You could see that it looked like we were connected… Then we played with a lot of joy.”

Even in a preseason setting, the win carried meaningful momentum. The Valkyries not only showcased their trademark shooting identity but also demonstrated their ability to adjust, respond, and execute in clutch moments. From Burton’s steady leadership to Sowah’s explosive scoring and Chen’s continued development, Golden State’s performance offered a compelling preview of what could be ahead.

If this game was any indication, the Valkyries are building something dynamic, a team capable of blending star moments with collective execution, all fueled by the unmistakable energy of Ballhalla.