A year after a rash of injuries sank its season, the returned to the Northwest Athletic Conference tournament for the first time since 2022.
After a slow start to the 2025 season in which the team dropped its first eight games, the Yaks found their groove, going 16-6 over the next month.
Head Coach Ben Krueger said he was extremely proud of what the team accomplished this year.
“The Yaks pitching staff was anchored entirely by freshmen and redshirt freshmen and the offense recorded more regular season base hits (457) than any other program in the NWAC,” Krueger said. In addition, YVC’s offense finished in the top 5 in both hitting average (.284) and slugging (.355) in the league.
TOP: Freshman shortstop Gage Reeser, 2025 NWAC East MVP, looks to turn a double play during a March 8 game versus Southwetern Oregon. ABOVE: Freshman pitcher Marcus Olson on the mound.
“It meant a lot to the entire coaching staff to see these guys rebound after an injury-plagued 2024 season,” Krueger said. “The 2025 Yaks doubled last year's win total (24) and brought post-season play back to a college that expects to compete for an NWAC championship every season.”
Unfortunately for the Yaks, in a single-elimination game versus Clark College in the NWAC Super Regional in Roseburg, Ore., the team couldn’t close out a one-run lead it carried into the ninth inning, falling 2-3 to end its season 24-25 overall and 15-13 in conference play.
Still, the grit of this year’s team is something Krueger said will stick in his memory.
During a critical home game versus Wenatchee Valley, for example, he recalled standout freshman shortstop Gage Reeser getting his nose fractured on a hard hop with two outs in the ninth inning. Despite the injury, Reese returned to play in the second game of the doubleheader and didn’t miss a beat playing the rest of the season with face protection.
“Players who refuse to come out of the game are hallmarks of our program and we were impressed to see that level of desire to compete and selflessness from a true freshman,” Krueger said. “Gage is an outstanding player and representative of our program and we are excited to see him continue his baseball journey with the Yakima Valley Pippins this summer and beyond.”
First baseman/pitcher Jackson Walker, a Second Team NWAC Team honoree this season, makes contact while at bat.
Reeser was named NWAC East MVP, First Team NWAC East and First Team All-NWAC after tying for the league lead with 72 hits on the season while batting .381, good for third in the NWAC. He hit 12 doubles, two triples and four home runs with 34 RBIs and 13 stolen bases.
Other Yaks receiving league accolades were sophomore second baseman Travis Finney, Second Team NWAC East, NWAC East Gold Glove and All-NWAC Gold Glove; freshman first baseman/pitcher Jackson Walker, Second Team NWAC Team; freshman outfielder Garren Gooler, Second Team NWAC East; and sophomore outfielder Matty Morin, NWAC East Gold Glove.
Sophomore Travis Finney slides during an April 5 doubleheader sweep against Wenatchee Valley College.
Krueger said the team prioritized summer development this offseason, with 15 Yaks playing for affiliates of the West Coast League, including the Yakima Valley Pippins, Springfield Drifters, Kelowna Falcons, Wenatchee AppleSox, Port Angeles Lefties and Ridgefield Raptors. Other team members will play in the Cascade Collegiate League and for the Medford Rogues.
“We believe summer collegiate baseball is vital to our athletes’ ongoing competitive development so they are ready to pick right back where they left off the previous season when they return in the fall,” Krueger said. “This year’s team was able to come together and bring winning baseball back to Yakima Valley. We anticipate all eligible players to return and continue to build on this momentum in 2026.”
Story by Dustin Wunderlich, director of community relations. Photos by Ross Courtney.