Penicheiro

Her Monarchs teammates have learned to always be aware when they're on the court with Ticha Penicheiro. She's best known for her creative passing and the unsuspecting recipient of one of her dishes could wind up with a ball in the face. Fortunately the Monarchs have learned to keep their hands up and Penicheiro leads the league in assists with 7.6 per game. She's had seven games with double figure assists, including two double-doubles.

Penicheiro answered a selection of fan questions following the Monarchs' first round series win over Utah.

Do you believe that the Monarchs can and will win the WNBA championship this season?
Leslie
Fair Oaks, Calif.

Penicheiro: Yes, I do believe that we can win the Championship. I know that we first have to get past LA and they are the best team from the regular season. But I think our team matches up well with their team talent-wise. It will be a hard task, but it is do-able. It's going to be an exciting series.

Hi Ticha, good luck in the playoffs. My question is do you think this playoff season will produce the very first woman to professionally 'dunk' the basketball? Do you have any players on your team who can dunk the basketball, at least in practice?
Cheryl
Jacksonville, Fla.

Penicheiro: I think Kara (Wolters) can, but she hasn't done it in practice this year. I know that I sure can't do it! With the playoffs, teams are focused on winning the championship, so it might not be the best time to try to show a dunk.

First, let me thank you for the autographed jersey you sent to me (per Coach Allen's request). My friends have been very impressed. My jumper is better when I wear it. What part of your game personally, must you improve on for the Monarchs to have a chance at winning it all?
Ally
Memphis, Tenn.

Penicheiro: Playing my position, I want to make sure that I stay a good leader and that I make good decisions on the floor to do whatever I can to help the team. It could be scoring, rebounding, passing the ball - it changes from game to game. But I have to contribute to the overall team performance.

I wanted to say I'm a huge fan. My question to you is this: In a commercial you and teammates are playing ball against a couple of guys and you beat them. Have you ever gone onto a court and played guys who thought you were nothing to worry about and you end up beating them?
Starr
Pittsburgh

Penicheiro: I play pick-up all the time with men and it's always a challenge because men are supposed to be more athletic (laughs). It's a great way to improve my game.

Early in the season you missed nine games due to your ankle injury. Do you feel you are 'fresher' going into the playoffs and are the Monarchs peaking at the right time?
Sharon
West Sacramento, Calif.

Penicheiro: As a team, we are playing the best basketball of our season right now. And this is the time to play your best. We have to make sure that we are consistent. We won the series vs. Utah - so if we want to win the Championship, we know we have to continue playing hard in the games vs. LA and beyond.