For Monarchs co-captain Kara Lawson, the hurt was still too fresh.
"It's really hard for me to look back at this season right now," Lawson said Tuesday, shortly after returning to Sacramento following the Monarchs' overtime loss in San Antonio. "Losing in the first round to the same team for the second year in a row, it's difficult when you've been part of the WNBA Finals and a championship; all you want is to get back there."
Once the initial pain of their playoff exit subsides, the Monarchs will see a lot of positives come out of this rebuilding season after the free-agency departure of longtime leader Yolanda Griffith.
With multiple injuries and a rookie-packed roster, they pushed the WNBA's best team to the brink before falling to San Antonio.
"In the preseason, all the experts said we were supposed to finish last in the Western Conference," co-captain Ticha Penicheiro said. "From Day One, we were working hard. … We persevered."
Said Monarchs coach Jenny Boucek: "This team has so much character. They were completely motivated by wanting to do well for each other. They showed so much heart and resilience. They had a million excuses to just lay down and quit, but they gave it everything they had."
The Monarchs spent Tuesday afternoon in exit interviews as they prepared to scatter around the globe for their offseason jobs and, for most, more basketball.
"That's what's really sad; each of us are going our own way," said Penicheiro, who leaves Saturday for Europe, where she'll play in Milan, Italy, starting in 10 days. "It will be eight months before we see everybody again."
Getting healthy is a priority. Guard Chelsea Newton will have surgery soon to remove bone chips from her left ankle. Forward Rebekkah Brunson, sidelined during the postseason with cartilage damage in her right knee and a stress fracture in her right leg, may need more surgery, too.
Forward DeMya Walker, expected to miss the season after breaking her right kneecap in April, showed dramatic improvement during her brief return. The former All-Star has played in only 15 Monarchs games in two years.
Sacramento's four rookies showed great promise.
"We ushered in the next generation of great players for this franchise," Lawson said. "We'll look back and see this year as the first of a new beginning."
Rookie forward Crystal Kelly started seven times, including all three playoff games against San Antonio, and ranked No. 1 in the league in free throws per 40 minutes played (8.64). Center Laura Harper gained confidence and showed she can become a top rebounder.
At point guard, A'Quonesia Franklin displayed skill as Penicheiro's backup. Although used sparingly, guard Charel Allen flashed potential as an outside shooter.
"We stretched them beyond the point of what we thought they could handle," Boucek said. "They're a credit to the whole team. … They came in very humble and brought infectious joy."
Most of this team is expected to return in 2009.
"If they get healthy, there's no telling what they can do," said Boucek, whose contract option recently was picked up for 2009. "It's very exciting for next year."
Call The Bee's Debbie Arrington, (916) 326-5514.
About Comments
Reader comments on Sacbee.com are the opinions of the writer, not The Sacramento Bee. If you see an objectionable comment, click the "report abuse" button below it. We will delete comments containing inappropriate links, obscenities, hate speech, and personal attacks. Flagrant or repeat violators will be banned. See more about comments here.