http://www.sacbee.com/100/story/178920.html
Ready and waiting to start
Working with their full roster is now the Monarchs' nest task.
By Melody Gutierrez - Bee Staff Writer
Last Updated 12:12 am PDT Monday, May 14, 2007
Story appeared in SPORTS section, Page C6
As sloppy as the Monarchs looked during the first half of Sunday's exhibition game against Phoenix, it was hard to imagine intermission would be enough time to clean up the mess at Arco Arena.
A ticking clock wasn't a problem for new coach Jenny Boucek, who drew up an effective play with 33.1 seconds remaining that ended with Rebekkah Brunson sinking a basket and drawing a foul to put the Monarchs ahead in a 77-75 win over the Mercury in front of an announced crowd of 5,706.
"It was definitely exciting," Boucek said. "My head was spinning just trying to get that many players in the game."
She rotated 13 players in and out.
Monarchs general manager John Whisenant and Boucek are still evaluating players and cuts are expected to come as soon as today. The Monarchs waived guard LaToya Bond on Saturday and will have to cut two more before their season opener this Saturday in Detroit.
With Brunson, Ticha Penicheiro, Adrian Williams and Nicole Powell returning from international leagues in the past few days, Boucek said she is ready to work with her full roster.
The Monarchs' only outstanding player, DeMya Walker, is expected to return to the team today.
"I've been anticipating getting back here the entire offseason," said Brunson, who led Sacramento in scoring with 14 points and had five rebounds.
Kara Lawson had 12 points and Chelsea Newton scored 11. Monarchs newcomer Williams pulled down a game-high 12 rebounds and finished with eight points.
Phoenix was led in scoring by Crystal Smith, who had 16 points off 5-for-6 shooting from the field. The Mercury dropped its third and final exhibition game as it waits for its three scoring leaders -- Diana Taurasi, Cappie Pondexter and Penny Taylor -- to return from international competition.
Sacramento's Yolanda Griffith sat out the game to rest her knees, which hadn't been giving her much trouble until recent practices.
Griffith reported some soreness in her knees before Sunday's game, leading Boucek to err on the side of caution and save her star for the regular season. Griffith played 21 minutes in the Monarchs' 84-66 exhibition loss to Seattle on Friday, scoring a team-high 16 points.
The nine-year Monarchs veteran remained an integral part of Sacramento's huddles on Sunday and yelled encouragement at her teammates throughout the game, even during the sloppy first half, after which Phoenix led 40-31.
The win wraps up the second and final exhibition game for the Monarchs, who will open their season on a four-game road trip starting Saturday against Detroit, winners of the 2006 WNBA title. Detroit defeated the Monarchs in the decisive Game 5 of the WNBA Finals last season.
"The worst thing will be seeing Detroit get the rings when it should have been us," Penicheiro said.
About the writer: The Bee's Melody Gutierrez can be reached at (916) 326-5521 or mgutierrez@sacbee.com.
Ready and waiting to start
Working with their full roster is now the Monarchs' nest task.
By Melody Gutierrez - Bee Staff Writer
Last Updated 12:12 am PDT Monday, May 14, 2007
Story appeared in SPORTS section, Page C6
As sloppy as the Monarchs looked during the first half of Sunday's exhibition game against Phoenix, it was hard to imagine intermission would be enough time to clean up the mess at Arco Arena.
A ticking clock wasn't a problem for new coach Jenny Boucek, who drew up an effective play with 33.1 seconds remaining that ended with Rebekkah Brunson sinking a basket and drawing a foul to put the Monarchs ahead in a 77-75 win over the Mercury in front of an announced crowd of 5,706.
"It was definitely exciting," Boucek said. "My head was spinning just trying to get that many players in the game."
She rotated 13 players in and out.
Monarchs general manager John Whisenant and Boucek are still evaluating players and cuts are expected to come as soon as today. The Monarchs waived guard LaToya Bond on Saturday and will have to cut two more before their season opener this Saturday in Detroit.
With Brunson, Ticha Penicheiro, Adrian Williams and Nicole Powell returning from international leagues in the past few days, Boucek said she is ready to work with her full roster.
The Monarchs' only outstanding player, DeMya Walker, is expected to return to the team today.
"I've been anticipating getting back here the entire offseason," said Brunson, who led Sacramento in scoring with 14 points and had five rebounds.
Kara Lawson had 12 points and Chelsea Newton scored 11. Monarchs newcomer Williams pulled down a game-high 12 rebounds and finished with eight points.
Phoenix was led in scoring by Crystal Smith, who had 16 points off 5-for-6 shooting from the field. The Mercury dropped its third and final exhibition game as it waits for its three scoring leaders -- Diana Taurasi, Cappie Pondexter and Penny Taylor -- to return from international competition.
Sacramento's Yolanda Griffith sat out the game to rest her knees, which hadn't been giving her much trouble until recent practices.
Griffith reported some soreness in her knees before Sunday's game, leading Boucek to err on the side of caution and save her star for the regular season. Griffith played 21 minutes in the Monarchs' 84-66 exhibition loss to Seattle on Friday, scoring a team-high 16 points.
The nine-year Monarchs veteran remained an integral part of Sacramento's huddles on Sunday and yelled encouragement at her teammates throughout the game, even during the sloppy first half, after which Phoenix led 40-31.
The win wraps up the second and final exhibition game for the Monarchs, who will open their season on a four-game road trip starting Saturday against Detroit, winners of the 2006 WNBA title. Detroit defeated the Monarchs in the decisive Game 5 of the WNBA Finals last season.
"The worst thing will be seeing Detroit get the rings when it should have been us," Penicheiro said.
About the writer: The Bee's Melody Gutierrez can be reached at (916) 326-5521 or mgutierrez@sacbee.com.