FORMER LADY MONARCH PLAYS IN THIRD STRAIGHT WNBA ALL-STAR GAME TONIGHT

Former Old Dominion women's basketball standout Ticha Penicheiro '98, who plays for the WNBA's Sacramento Monarchs, will take the floor tonight as a starter for the WNBA's Western Conference All-Star squad for the third straight year.

The 2001 WNBA All-Star Game will be televised nationally on ESPN beginning at 8 p.m.

According to the WNBA's Web site, Penicheiro said she enjoys the break from the pressure of the regular season. "It is really a time for us to relax and play the game of basketball, not even be worried about a scouting report or who I'm going to guard," Penicheiro said. "And of course, you just want to play well, look good, enjoy it and just make sure the fans and the people watching at home have a good time."

Sacramento's starting guard since being the second overall draft selection in 1998, Penicheiro leads the WNBA in assists per game.

The Portugal native led the Lady Monarchs to the NCAA Final Four in 1998. Her jersey is one of five that has been retired in Lady Monarch history.