Aug. 27 -- With the season on the line at STAPLES Center, I have faith that the Sparks will defeat the Monarchs to clinch the Western Conference Finals. From the gate, L.A. has been intensely focused on winning the WNBA Championship. This channeled intensity and mental strength will serve the team. With their collective backs against the wall, I believe Lisa Leslie and her Sparks teammates will rise to Sacramento's formidable challenge.

Though it's terrifc that Lisa was awarded her richly deserved MVP trophy on Sunday (bravo, Lisa and we know you'll enjoy the new 2002 Buick Rendezvous, too!), her primary goal has always been to win the ring. The inspired play of the Sparks' starters: Delisha Milton, Tamecka Dixon, Mwadi Mabika, Ukari Figgs, and Lisa Leslie, can and will earn a conclusive victory against the Monarchs.

Kudos to Sac for a great fight but it's the Sparks year. STAPLES will rock and the Los Angeles Sparks will show the world why they deserve to advance to the championship round!

Andrea Weltman lives in Los Angeles, works in film advertising and is a courtside season ticket holder at STAPLES Center.