Mystics Get Off on the Right Stomp

Alana Beard shoots 11-of-12 from the field and pours in 25 points to lead the Mystics past the overmatched Liberty, 95-60. (Toni L. Sandys - The Washington Post)

After Milton-Jones sank a three-pointer from the left corner with 1 minute 53 seconds left in the first quarter, Washington led 25-3.

With 2.8 seconds left in the half, Beard inbounded the ball on the right side to Nikki Blue, who immediately passed it back to her in the corner. Beard's three-pointer ripped through the net as the halftime buzzer sounded, giving Washington a 50-36 lead, and she sat down in one of the courtside seats, gave her mother a high-five and grinned.

"I walk into the gym every day and I'm smiling. I can't wait to get onto the court," Beard said. "I don't know, maybe I am more determined. Or maybe I'm having more fun. That was my goal this year: to have more fun."

· MONARCHS 76, SKY 63: Nicole Powell scored 19 points and defending WNBA champion Sacramento spoiled Chicago's home opener. The Sky is 1-1.

· FEVER 62, SILVER STARS 53: Tamika Catchings scored 23 points and Tamika Whitmore added 16 to lead visiting Indiana past San Antonio.

· SPARKS 72, STING 65: Jessica Moore's driving layup with 43 seconds left put Los Angeles in front, and the Sparks scored the last seven points against host Charlotte to get their first win of the season.

· SUN 81, LYNX 69: Katie Douglas tied a career high with 28 points to lead visiting Connecticut over Minnesota.

· COMETS 84, STORM 59: Tina Thompson scored 15 of her 19 points in the first half as visiting Houston cruised to victory. Dominique Canty also scored 19 for the Comets.

UP NEXT Mystics at Sting 7 p.m. tomorrow No TV, WWRC (1260 AM)