Mystics Reach for the Stars and Land on the Sky

This was Alana's game. There is no question that this is a team that is seeking a championship. Finally, we have a team and structure that allow Alana Beard to do what she does best, score. And score she did, as she ran away with 31 points aganist the Chicago Sky.

Washington started this game with an early lead that was slowly lost as the Mystics' post player seem incapable of getting a rebound. In fact, to Coach Julie Plank's dismay, the Mystics ended the 1st half with only 8 measly rebounds to the Sky's 21. With the Sky creating so many second and third opportunities at the basket, it is no surprise that the Mystics trailed the Sky heading into the locker room after the half. Fans, like me, worried that we would see a repeat of last nights game in Atlanta.

Well, Coach Julie had other ideas. I would hate to have been in that locker room, but whatever was said. It worked. The Mystics came out like gangbusters, scoring 52 and 21 rebounds in the second half to demolish the Sky and retain their top spot in the Eastern conference, 81-72.

While it was good to see former MD Terp Kristi Tolliver playing in a pro uniform and make a key contribution for her team scoring 13 points off the bench. I was elated to see her put down by the more senior former Terp, Crystal Langhorne, also off the bench for 14 pts, 6 rebounds and 2 steals. Unfortunately, Marissa Coleman had to watch her former MD teamates from the bench while she recovers from a high ankle sprain.

In the next few days, I will have more to say about this new 11 person rooster. In the short term, I am glad to see the Mystics Rallying through.

Happy Father's Day.