Monday, September 12, 2011

Final Edition

 Mystics Recap:

The Washington Mystics looked to gain two more wins for the last lap of the season. However, in their match-up against the Indiana Fever last Wednesday, the team lost 87-69 to the top seed in the Eastern Conference. The Mystics had 18 turnovers and were unable to break away with the lead even though they had more points in the paint (38-34 than the Fever. By shooting nearly 50% from the field, the Fever was able to keep their No. 1 ranking. Guard Katie Douglas led all scorers with 21 points with forward Tamika Catchings adding a double double with 17 points and 10 rebounds. Crystal Langhorne had 18 points and 15 rebounds for her seventh double-double of the season. The biggest lead of the night for the Mystics was after the half, 37-36, but Indiana quickly went on a quick nine-point lead and secured the win.

In their final match-up of the season, the Mystics traveled to San Antonio to take on the Silver Stars on September 10. The Mystics lost 82-74 as the Silver Stars finalized the last playoff spot in the Western Conference. As in their previous match-up, the Mystics were affected by turnovers recording 15 compared to the Silver Stars’ nine. Mystics guard Matee Ajavon scored 15 points and had five assists along with two steals. Recently activated forward Monique Currie continued to get back to form, putting up 14 points in her first start and only fourth game played this season. In the second half the Silver Stars outrebounded the Mystics 19-12. In the first quarter the Mystics came out strong with a 12-point lead but soon lost the lead after the half. The Mystics ended their season 6-28.

WASHINGTON MYSTICS HEAD COACH TRUDI LACEY

On being proud of her team after a tough season:

“Yeah, we have played with a lot of heart, determination and resiliency for the entire season. We’re young as our team hadn’t been together for very long at all. I think in tight games, experience truly helps as it shows when you don’t have it.”

On her overall thoughts of the season:

“Well, obviously it was a disappointing season as I feel we have some things to build on. We went young as I think Jasmine [Thomas] did a really good job in terms of improving and growing throughout the season. We played most of the season with nine players and about two starters so that made it a little tough. But again, not making any excuses, I think our team played with a lot of heart and determination for the entire season.”

WASHINGTON MYSTICS FORWARD MONIQUE CURRIE

On what they can take from this season:

“I feel we are all disappointed by the way the season turned out as we know that there are things we can all work on individually and bring back to the team next year. Hopefully everybody will get better during the off-season and be ready come the next season.”

WASHINGTON MYSTICS GUARD JASMINE THOMAS

On the highs and lows from her team’s season:

“I feel we definitely grew together as a team as our chemistry was a little bit better. I think we all know there are a lot of things we have to improve on for next year. With the off-season and most of us going overseas, we’re all going to be working on our own individual game.”