Roper

SACRAMENTO, Calif., May 16, -- The Sacramento Monarchs today announced that the organization has waived center, Christen Roper. From the University of Hawaii, Roper holds both her school and the Western Athletic Conference title for All-Time Leader in Blocked Shots (303). A 2003 graduate, in her senior year, Roper earned Most Outstanding Defensive Player of the Year honors and was named to the preseason All-WAC second team. She averaged a team-leading 7.9 rebounds and 3.7 blocks per contest.

In the 2003 preseason, the Monarchs regained some of their old form winning both of their preseason games. In the team' s first victory at Seattle (73-64), Monarchs guard Ruthie Bolton was the leading scorer of the game with 17 points off the bench. Forward Yolanda Griffith, who had recently returned from playing overseas, added 14 points and five rebounds to the Monarchs victory. Edna Campbell and DeMya Walker both chipped in 10 points each. In the second meeting of these two teams this preseason, Griffith had a double-double, scoring 14 points and 10 rebounds. Lady Grooms added 10 points, while Campbell contributed nine to lead the Monarchs to a 64-48 victory over the Storm.

The Monarchs preseason results show a continued tradition of dominance over the Seattle Storm as the Monarchs have only lost once in nine regular season meetings with the Storm, June 23, 2002 (60-86). In 2002, Seattle earned the forth and final Western Conference Playoff spot with a record of 17 -15, but lost their final game of the regular season (51-59) to the Monarchs. The Monarchs remain undefeated versus Seattle at ARCO Arena.

The Sacramento Monarchs will play their first of 17 home games against the Phoenix Mercury on Opening Night, Friday, May 30, at 7 p.m. at ARCO Arena. Sacramento's regular season will begin on the road on Thursday, May 22, at the Phoenix Mercury at 7 p.m. at America West Arena. Opening Night tickets are going fast and fans are asked to call (916) 419-WNBA for information about tickets.