Sacramento spoiled the home opener of the league's newest team and showed why they are the defending champions in a 76-63 win over Chicago before 5,112.

Nicole Powell and Rebekkah Brunson led the Monarchs with 19 and 13 points respectively. And while the Monarchs never trailed, the Sky stayed within striking distance nearly the entire game.

Stacey Lovelace, who paced the Sky with 11 points said the game was a good test for her team. "The only way you can see where you stand is to play the best. We made mistakes, and you can't make as many when you're playing one of the best teams in the league.''

Despite the outcome, the crowd was loud and enthusiastic and came to a standing ovation even when it became clear a victory was out of reach.

Donna Orender, who was in attendance, was pleased with the new team. "What we would like to do is have passionate fans, which we know Chicago has, fill this bowl up a multitude of times and we'll see this business grow here."