Golden State Valkyries Kaitlyn Chen drives to the basket against Seattle Storm in WNBA pre season action at Chase Center in San Francisco on Sat Apr 25, 2026 (photo by Michael Villanueva)

Golden State Valkyries game wrap: Valkyries quiet the Storm 78-76, Saturday Evening in the City by the Bay

By Michael Roberson

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. — The Golden State Valkyries finished up the preseason with a 78-76 thrilling victory over the Seattle Storm, inside a customary sold out Chase Center.

The Valkyries got the party started with a Veronica Burton trey. The lead increased to 5 during the initial quarter, but ended with the 3-point margin from the beginning of the game, 21-18. Hip Hop sensation and rookie, Flau’jae Johnson, who the Valkyries originally drafted, grabbed 4 rebounds in the initial stanza.

In the second quarter, Seattle made a strong push, while the aforementioned rookie scored 10 points within the quarter’s timeframe. Her team also led by as many as 11 points, but settled for nine by recess, 42-33. Johnson’s second quarter explosion led her team in scoring for the entire first half. Burton topped both teams with 14 points to her credit.

The third quarter had the home team start off on a 10-0 run, rapidly erasing the 9-point halftime deficit. However, the Storm were able to hold on to the lead after three quarters, 56-54. At that point in the game, there were 15 lead changes and 8 ties.

The final 1/4 of the contest produced another strong run (9-0) by the Valkyries, and an 8-point lead. Seattle continued to fight back, resulting an additional lead change and two more ties,

When the final whistle blew, the Valkyries had weathered the storm, 78-76. The victory was greatly celebrated by yet another capacity crowd for the second year team.

Veronica Burton and Miela Sowah both tallied 14 points, to lead the way, Kaitlyn contributed 11 points to the double digit mix. The latter two scored their share from off the bench.

Seattle also had three players eclipse that plateau. Johnson scored 12 points and grabbed 4 rebounds. Zia Cooke joined her with 12 points, while Dominique Malonga put up 10 points and 5 rebounds.

In a weird circumstance of scheduling, these two teams will open their regular season against each other. The game will be in Seattle, Friday, May 8 at 7 PM PT on ION.

With another 18,064 filling the Chase Center, the Valkyries continue to be the beacon of light and fandom for the WNBA and women’s basketball in general.