The defending champs walloped the Mercury to open the season on national TV. By "walloped" we mean scored 105 points and won by 27.

Paul Westhead's fast-paced Merc began with a 12-1 run, but couldn't keep their energy once the Monarchs adjusted: Sacramento dominated the second quarter 26-6, and enjoyed the blowout the rest of the way. Erin Buescher-- not normally a key player-- led all scorers with 18.

Kara Lawson had some adventures: she sat out the preseason with a still-mysterious illness (fatigue and dizziness), then dislocated her finger in the first quarter, but returned and scored double figures. (Coach Whiz: "She's tough enough to do this.")

What of Paul Ball? It produced a high score, as predicted-- but for the other team. Has the system failed already? Probably not: even if it works, it will take some time. The Mercury's biggest problem wasn't the pace, but the lack of post play (except for Vodichkova): the home team outrebounded the visitors by 20.

The Merc's Diana Taurasi on the pace: "If anything, it was a good first game in a weird way. You don't ever want to lose a game like that, but it showed what we can do."