The Chicago Sky look strong as they start their preparations for this season with new General Manager and Head Coach Amber Stocks leading the team. This season’s roster features many new faces, but there is on in particular who is no stranger to the state of Connecticut. For new Sky center, Stefanie Dolson, she’s coming back to her old college stomping grounds where she hopes to help push the Sky to a win over the Sun.
In 2016, the Sky and Sun kicked off the season in their May 14 matchup at the Allstate Arena. Chicago came away with a 93-70 victory, but in their encore matchup on July 22, before the Olympic break, the Sun came in hot and took the W 94-89. The Sky were led by Delle Donne’s 20 points and Pondexter’s 16 points. Breland came off the bench to contribute 13 points and a team-best eight rebounds. The Sun were led by Jonquel Jones, who recorded her first career double-double with career-highs 20 points and 10 rebounds. Alex Bentley scored 21 points to lead Connecticut on the offensive end.
On September 11, 2016, the Sky again face the Sun and handed them a loss on their home court with a 96-86 victory, taking the series lead 2-1. Vandersloot and Brelend led the way for the Sky with 14 points and 9 rebounds, respectively. Bentley led the Sun with 14 points and received help from Jones and Thomas with 6 rebounds a piece.
While both teams have maintained some familiar faces, there are also many new names on each roster and for the Sky this is a chance for 2017 Draft picks Jankoska and Epps to show how they handle the step up to the next level. Expect this game to be fast paced as coaches rotate their roster and attempt to find combinations that work.
Tip-off between the Sky and Sun is scheduled for 6 p.m. CDT on Tuesday, May 2 at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, CT. The Chicago Sky will face the New York Liberty at the Mohegan Sun Arena on May 3rd. The Sky’s regular season tips off on the road at Minnesota on May 14 followed by the home opener on May 19 at Allstate Arena. Don’t miss any of the exciting action this season, purchase tickets by calling 866.SKY.WNBA, visit chicagosky.net or download the Sky mobile app through the App Store or Google Play.