Opening day is here for the WNBA and for the Chicago Sky, today's game against the Charlotte Sting is not only the first regular season game for the franchise, but a chance to build on their successful preseason against a team that struggled last season.

Sky coach Dave Cowens has been working on hook shots with his players and teaching them to take advantage of opportune shots, rather than passing the ball. "When they're driving to the basket, instead of thinking `I'm going to score,' somehow passing gets in there and it almost holds them back," Cowens said.

The Sky players and staff are calling themselves the team without stars. "We'll just try our best and do what we've been doing,'' Stacey Dales said. "We found a little identity, which is team. We have unity and a lot of fun playing together. We enjoy and respect one another.

For the Sting, coach Muggsy Bogues says his team has been working hard so they don't have a repeat of last season. In his first full season at the helm, Bogues recognizes the challenge for his team, but also embraces the underdog role.

In addition to retiring Andrea Stinson's number in a halftime ceremony, the Sting will honor their original season ticket holders throughout the game.