Sting to host Sparks in preseason action

May 10, 2005 - Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA)
Charlotte Sting News Release


The Charlotte Sting will host the Los Angeles Sparks in a preseason exhibition on Thursday, May 12, at 6 p.m. at the Bobcats Basketball Center. It marks the second of three preseason contests for the Sting in 2005. Tickets are general admission and can be purchased for $5.

In addition, Sting guard Dawn Staley will be joined by Sparks center Lisa Leslie in a postgame appearance that tips off the WNBA's Be Smart, Be Fit, Be Yourself program. The two players, who have known each other since high school, will take part in a panel to answer health, fitness and nutrition questions from fans. "Be Fit, Be Smart, Be Yourself" is designed to educate teens and women about the risks and dangers of obesity and inactivity and to answer questions about healthy nutritional and lifestyle choices.

Staley and Leslie have been opponents in the WNBA since 1999. They have also been friends and teammates on various USA Basketball squads for more than 10 years. Staley and Leslie led Team USA to three consecutive Olympic gold medals, including the most recent last summer in Athens, Greece.

Staley, a six-year WNBA veteran, is one of only three WNBA players to record 1,000 assists. In 2004, she averaged 8.9 points and 5.0 assists. Leslie, an eight-year WNBA veteran, is the all-time league leader with 4,215 points. In 2004 she was named the WNBA MVP after averaging 17.6 points and 9.9 rebounds. Staley, a six-year WNBA veteran, is one of only three WNBA players to record 1,000 assists. In 2004, she averaged 8.9 points and 5.0 assists.

Also in attendance at the game will be WNBA President Donna Orender, who was named to her position on February 15, 2005. An executive with the PGA Tour for 17 years prior to joining the WNBA, Orender succeeds founding WNBA President Val Ackerman.

The Charlotte Sting will conclude their preseason schedule on Monday, May 16, as they host Houston at 7 p.m. The Sting will open their ninth season on May 21 at the Charlotte Coliseum as they host Washington at 6 p.m. Season tickets are available now by calling (704) 424-WNBA. Fans can also download a schedule and further ticket information at www.charlottesting.com.

The Charlotte Bobcats Organization includes the Charlotte Bobcats (NBA), the Charlotte Sting (WNBA), C-SET (Carolinas Sports Entertainment Television), a 24-hour regional sports network covering the North and South Carolina, and the New Charlotte Arena, opening in the fall of 2005.



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