LOS ANGELES, Sept. 12 -- In attendance for Game 1 on Friday night at Staples Center was Detroit native and Shock fan Genise Stuckey, winner of the Oxygen network's "Let's Go to the WNBA Finals" sweepstakes. Stuckey also brought her mother, Mary, along for the trip, and with the Sparks leading 42-21 at halftime, WNBA.com spoke with them about winning the sweepstakes, their time in L.A. and the Shock's chances in the series.

Before the game, Genise (right) and her mother, Mary, toured Staples Center ... ... chatted with WNBA president Val Ackerman ... ... and met Seattle Storm star Sue Bird.

Kind of a rough game for the Shock so far, down by 20. What do they need to do to get back in it?

Genise: They need to settle down. They're just nervous right now. They need to relax and play their game.

Who's your favorite player on the team?

Genise: Deanna Nolan. I really like the way she plays. And I like Swin Cash too.

How about Bill Laimbeer? What do you think about what he's done with the team?

Genise: Ooh, I was a big Bad Boys fan. I was glad when he took over as coach and he's done a great job.

What did you think when you found out you'd won the sweepstakes?

Genise: They called me at home and at first I couldn't believe it. But then once the news began to sink in, I was very excited.

Mary: And then she called to invite me to take the trip with her, and I said, "Of course!"

Have you been to Los Angeles before?

Mary: I was here a long time ago, when Genise was only about 12 years old, and she's never been. It's a very different city now, and we're having a wonderful time here at the game.

So if the Shock don't pull out a win today, what are there chances in the series?

Genise: Oh, it's going back to Detroit now and it'll be a whole different ballgame. The Shock will definitely win the next two at home.