Mercury in Retrograde?!

L, 98-91

The shorthanded Valkyries displayed immense heart, grit, and yes, even some 3-pt shooting (!), in their loss to the #2 ranked and full strength Phoenix Mercury. The Valks bench was put to the test and rose to the occasion. Iliana Rupert, KT, and Mo remain sidelined with injuries, and Tip Hayes and Cecilia Zandalasini were resting. In a game that could have easily been a throwaway loss, it was a scrappy and energetic effort by a group that often sees fewer minutes.

After Q1, the Valks were up 31-28 and at the half, they were up 59-47. They came out firing, with a quick three pointer from Kate Martin to start the game, getting her fourth start of the season. The offense was clicking - in fact, it was the most points the Valks have scored in a half this season. The 3-pointers were flowing, the offense was moving, and the Mercury looked stunned.

In the second half, as to be expected, the Valks started to get tired. That's what having a bench of only three will do, when up against the likes of DeWanna Bonner, Alyssa Thomas, and Kahleah Copper. Their shots weren't falling at quite the same clip, and it was not enough to withstand the Mercury's second half surge. However, they kept it close all the way through and Ballhallah was r o c k i n g the entire game.

I have never been more proud of our squad than I was during this game. At no point did they back down, even though they were clearly outmatched. They rose to the occasion, as they have done time and again this season. But this time, with a fervor and urgency and passion that was unmatched.

Well, unmatched is not quite right. Because believe me, Ballhallah was right in line, every step of the way. V's up!!