http://www.sacbee.com/100/story/187906.html
Lawson points the way
The Monarchs earn a win despite Ticha Penicheiro's injury.
By Melody Gutierrez - Bee Staff Writer
Last Updated 12:29 am PDT Monday, May 21, 2007
Story appeared in SPORTS section, Page C3
MINNEAPOLIS-With one point guard injured and the backup in foul trouble, the Monarchs gave the ball to Kara Lawson on Sunday.
Lawson had not run a single play at the point during practice.
"Not even a walk-through," said Lawson, who scored a team-high 19 points and had four assists in Sacramento's 74-64 victory over the Minnesota Lynx in front of an announced crowd of 9,831 at the Target Center.
Veteran point guard Ticha Penicheiro sat out most of Sunday's game against Minnesota with a groin injury, while Kristin Haynie picked up four fouls.
With the Lynx crawling back from a first-half deficit, Monarchs coach Jenny Boucek said she felt confident with Lawson on the floor.
"Kara can play the point," Boucek said. "She's a leader. She's smart. She's can play (point guard or shooting guard). I don't know that we missed a beat."
Penicheiro said she has felt pain in her left groin for two days and thinks she overcompensated with her right side, which ultimately caused her the most pain Sunday.
"It felt like it was getting worse by the second," said Penicheiro, who exited after playing six minutes in the first quarter. "I didn't want to risk it. With some treatment, it will be OK."
The Monarchs also received just four points and three rebounds from Yolanda Griffith. However, the Monarchs still dominated the boards 42-23.
DeMya Walker grabbed nine rebounds and scored 12 points after struggling in Saturday's season-opening loss to the defending champion Shock in Detroit. She also had a team-high four of the Monarchs' 20 turnovers.
Boucek said Walker still is learning the team's plays and, until it becomes instinctual, she will struggle. During the first two games, Walker has appeared sluggish, especially when driving the lane.
"That's what makes you look slow," Boucek said. "It's not instinctual yet."
Nicole Powell scored 14 points, including two three-pointers in the fourth quarter, as the Lynx were climbing out of a 40-27 first-half hole.
Minnesota came as close as 63-59 with 3:22 remaining in the game before the Monarchs scored their final 11 points on free throws.
Lynx guard Seimone Augustus, last season's Rookie of the Year, scored 28 points in 34 minutes despite bruising her right quadriceps during a loss to Indiana on Saturday.
Augustus was listed as questionable for Sunday's game, but Lynx coach Don Zierden said it was important for Augustus to keep loose.
With five rookies on his roster, Zierden said the difference Sunday was experience. "That's why Sacramento is who they are," Zierden said. "They are veterans who know how to play together. What that does for our young ladies is it shows them what they want to be."
The Monarchs have two more road games before playing at home. They face the Washington Mystics on Tuesday, then have a week to prepare for the Phoenix Mercury on May 29.
The team's home opener at Arco Arena is June 2 at 7 p.m. against conference rival Los Angeles.
About the writer: The Bee's Melody Gutierrez can be reached at (916) 326-5521 or mgutierrez@sacbee.com.
Lawson points the way
The Monarchs earn a win despite Ticha Penicheiro's injury.
By Melody Gutierrez - Bee Staff Writer
Last Updated 12:29 am PDT Monday, May 21, 2007
Story appeared in SPORTS section, Page C3
MINNEAPOLIS-With one point guard injured and the backup in foul trouble, the Monarchs gave the ball to Kara Lawson on Sunday.
Lawson had not run a single play at the point during practice.
"Not even a walk-through," said Lawson, who scored a team-high 19 points and had four assists in Sacramento's 74-64 victory over the Minnesota Lynx in front of an announced crowd of 9,831 at the Target Center.
Veteran point guard Ticha Penicheiro sat out most of Sunday's game against Minnesota with a groin injury, while Kristin Haynie picked up four fouls.
With the Lynx crawling back from a first-half deficit, Monarchs coach Jenny Boucek said she felt confident with Lawson on the floor.
"Kara can play the point," Boucek said. "She's a leader. She's smart. She's can play (point guard or shooting guard). I don't know that we missed a beat."
Penicheiro said she has felt pain in her left groin for two days and thinks she overcompensated with her right side, which ultimately caused her the most pain Sunday.
"It felt like it was getting worse by the second," said Penicheiro, who exited after playing six minutes in the first quarter. "I didn't want to risk it. With some treatment, it will be OK."
The Monarchs also received just four points and three rebounds from Yolanda Griffith. However, the Monarchs still dominated the boards 42-23.
DeMya Walker grabbed nine rebounds and scored 12 points after struggling in Saturday's season-opening loss to the defending champion Shock in Detroit. She also had a team-high four of the Monarchs' 20 turnovers.
Boucek said Walker still is learning the team's plays and, until it becomes instinctual, she will struggle. During the first two games, Walker has appeared sluggish, especially when driving the lane.
"That's what makes you look slow," Boucek said. "It's not instinctual yet."
Nicole Powell scored 14 points, including two three-pointers in the fourth quarter, as the Lynx were climbing out of a 40-27 first-half hole.
Minnesota came as close as 63-59 with 3:22 remaining in the game before the Monarchs scored their final 11 points on free throws.
Lynx guard Seimone Augustus, last season's Rookie of the Year, scored 28 points in 34 minutes despite bruising her right quadriceps during a loss to Indiana on Saturday.
Augustus was listed as questionable for Sunday's game, but Lynx coach Don Zierden said it was important for Augustus to keep loose.
With five rookies on his roster, Zierden said the difference Sunday was experience. "That's why Sacramento is who they are," Zierden said. "They are veterans who know how to play together. What that does for our young ladies is it shows them what they want to be."
The Monarchs have two more road games before playing at home. They face the Washington Mystics on Tuesday, then have a week to prepare for the Phoenix Mercury on May 29.
The team's home opener at Arco Arena is June 2 at 7 p.m. against conference rival Los Angeles.
About the writer: The Bee's Melody Gutierrez can be reached at (916) 326-5521 or mgutierrez@sacbee.com.
