The Golden State Valkyries defeated the Connecticut Sun 79-64 on July 10, 2026, at Mohegan Sun Arena. According to game reports, the Valkyries’ victory brings the Sun’s all-time record against the 2025 expansion team to 1-4. Golden State’s win was led by Veronica Burton, who scored 17 points and recorded six assists.
UConn Connection Drives Golden State’s Roster Strategy
Golden State currently leads the WNBA in former UConn women’s basketball stars. The roster features four Huskies: Kaitlyn Chen, Gabby Williams, Kiah Stokes, and Tiffany Hayes. While Williams missed the July 10 game due to a back injury, Chen, Stokes, and Hayes all saw action in the win over Connecticut.
Kaitlyn Chen described the chemistry with her former college teammates as "so fun," specifically noting that Tiffany Hayes serves as a "comfort person" for her on the court.
Kaitlyn Chen’s Statistical Leap in Year Two
Kaitlyn Chen is seeing a significant uptick in production during her second professional season. After being drafted 30th overall in 2025 and initially cut before the regular season, Chen returned a month later to become a rotation staple. Last season, she averaged 2.0 points in 10.3 minutes per game.
Currently, Chen is averaging 7.2 points in 14.6 minutes. She attributes this growth to offseason experience playing in Prague and with Athletes Unlimited. In the July 10 victory, she contributed eight points and two steals in 21 minutes of play. Tiffany Hayes noted that Chen’s “confidence is really high right now,” citing her ability to make better reads on the court.
Market Impact and the “Ballhalla” Phenomenon
According to team data, Golden State sold out all 22 regular-season home games at the Chase Center, which has a capacity of 18,064. Chen referred to this atmosphere as "Ballhalla," comparing the energy to the fan base at UConn.
This commercial success and early playoff run helped the team attract high-profile free agents. Gabby Williams, an All-Star starter and All-Defensive First Team honoree, joined the team to return to the Bay Area where she played AAU. Kiah Stokes also joined the Valkyries after four seasons with the Las Vegas Aces, reuniting with head coach Natalie Nakase.
Connecticut Sun’s Struggles and Roster Transitions
The Connecticut Sun currently hold a 5-18 record. Despite an early nine-point lead on July 10 fueled by Olivia Nelson-Ododa (12 points, 8 rebounds), the Sun suffered a scoring drought of over six minutes in the second quarter. According to game stats, Connecticut committed 20 turnovers and recorded a season-low 23 rebounds.
The team saw the return of Hailey Van Lith on July 10. Van Lith, who signed a development contract on May 30, had been sidelined since June 8 with an ankle injury. She played nine and a half minutes, recording two assists and one steal.
Comparative Performance: July 10 Matchup
| Metric | Golden State Valkyries | Connecticut Sun |
|---|---|---|
| Final Score | 79 | 64 |
| Top Scorer | Veronica Burton (17) | Diamond Miller (14) |
| Rebounds | Sourced High | 23 (Season Low) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the UConn players on the Valkyries?
The roster includes Kaitlyn Chen, Gabby Williams, Kiah Stokes, and Tiffany Hayes.
Where do the Valkyries play their home games?
They play at the Chase Center, which has a capacity of 18,064.
When is the next meeting between Golden State and Connecticut?
The two teams are scheduled to face each other again on August 26 at Mohegan Sun Arena.
What do you think about the Valkyries’ strategy of stacking former college teammates? Does it lead to better chemistry or too much predictability? Let us know in the comments below or subscribe to our newsletter for more WNBA analysis.
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