For the first time since May, the Chicago Sky and Golden State Valkyries reunited out west for another tough-fought battle. The Sky ultimately ended up falling to the Valkyries by 20 points, bringing them to 12-22 on the season and 10-12 against the Western Conference. 

Despite the loss, the bout began with a Chicago lead as they went on a 19-11 run in the first quarter. The first half saw an efficient Sky offense, as they shot 58.6% from the field and 50% from three, holding the Valkyries to just 42.4% from the field and 35.7% from three.

Leading Wednesday night’s scoring was Sky’s interior force Kamilla Cardoso who dropped 20 points, six rebounds and one assist. Coming off the bench, veteran Rachel Banham reminded the crowd of her ability to dominate beyond the arc. Banham buried three shots from deep, leaving her to tally 11 points which has been her average the past four games, while shooting 44.4% from the field in today’s play. 

Natasha Cloud came in hot with her high-energy pace as she orchestrated the offense, dishing out nine assists, ultimately matching her season high. Cloud’s ability to facilitate for her teammates landed her on Chicago’s top 10 all-time single-season assists as she has successfully delivered 166 and counting. In just 15 minutes of play, Courtney Vandersloot fueled the backcourt and accounted for six points, four assists and three rebounds. 

Rookie Aicha Coulibaly and guard Jacy Sheldon both added eight points, alongside some career notables. Coulibaly made her first career three-pointer while Sheldon matched her career high with four steals. 

Golden State Valkyries saw five players in double figures in the mid-week showdown. Golden State scoring was led in scoring by Tiffany Hayes, who notched 22 points, grabbed six rebounds, five assists and three steals. Off the bench, Kaila Charles added 15 points, five rebounds, three steals and two assists. Gabby Williams and Veronica Burton rounded out the box score with 13 points, while forward Cecelia Zandalasini boosted the team with 12 points, four rebounds and two blocks. 

The Sky are back off to Seattle to meet with the Storm for the second time this week and for the final of three matchups this season, closing out their three-game road trip in the Emerald City. The outing will kick off Sunday, Aug. 16 at Climate Pledge Arena at 4 p.m. CT.