On the game:
Preseason games are funny because you have multiple agendas. Something that is really important to us, getting better, learning our stuff, going against an opposition to see where we're at, but also, we're in heavy evaluation mode. Now that they've cut the teams back to 11 players, we have some very, very difficult decisions to make. So this is our last preseason game in front of fans with pressure, so we were really trying to put them in a position to asses how they play under pressure.

What was the difference between the team's first preseason game and today's?
We've made progress that's all you can ask, it hadn't been that long. This is a team that needs a lot of work and a lot of, what I call calibration, because we're so dependant on our systems and our chemistry and our conditioning that it takes us time to get into our rhythm. Most teams talk about offensive rhythm, but for us, it's our defensive rhythm, which very much affects our offense. But we're not in sync yet. When I'm subbing them like this, in fairness to them, it's really difficult for them to get a flow to the game. Like I said, we're trying to get good looks, fair looks to our players that are on the bubble, which we have several that are on the bubble, so we can make a good decision there.

On timeline for finalizing roster:
We have a week and we may go down to the end here. It's very tough, it's not very clear-cut, and it's become even more challenging for us because we have two of our top players in Rebekkah Brunson and Kara Lawson who have not practiced with us yet. So we're trying to put together, not the best 11 individual players, but for us, it's the 11 players that make us the best team.

On improving from the last preseason game:
I think offensively I was a little more aggressive. Last game I was a little more timid and didn�t have my footing alright. Something I wanted to focus on today was working hard to learn our defensive system. That�s what these games are for to learn what you need to do and get better.

On building team chemistry while players battle for final roster spots:
The reality of an 11-player roster is out there and we all understand that, but while we're here, we're buying into what we're trying to do. We're selling out to learning every day, learning the system, supporting each other and hoping for the best for this team. Whatever happens, happens.

On being back at ARCO Arena:
I was happy to be back at ARCO, you know I was in Turkey for a while and it's good to be back in front of your fans and playing with this group of girls. I felt great, it was one of those tune up things that I knew I wanted to work on some things to get more comfortable with the team before starting the season.

On preparing for the Home Opener:
Its still early and the two games we've had so far we can look at and see what we need to improve on. We have a week and we will be ready on June 6th.

On her game:
I like to shoot the ball. I pride myself on defense. I try to do anything I can for the team and stay positive. I try to be someone who other players can look to for energy.

On ARCO Arena debut:
I felt really good. It's good to have the confidence of the coaches and the team behind you. I had people telling me to look for my shot and to know that, from these amazing players on this team, gives me confidence and helps me go out there and play my game and do what I can.

Head Coach Corey Gaines:
Based on your first preseason game, what are you going to focus on for your upcoming games?
Definitely turnovers. We are going to clean up a couple of things on offense, work on our shot attempts and keep our intensity high.

You mentioned that you had a lot of turnovers in the first half, what did you tell the team in order to improve during the second half?
I told them to just take care of the ball and slow down a bit. They are just getting used to playing with each other again. It�s a new system for a couple of the players; it�s just about being comfortable.

DeWanna Bonner:
How did it feel to play in your first WNBA preseason game?
Great! Today�s game was definitely a different level from college. I am glad that I got this game out of the way so I know what to expect now. I had fun. My team had fun and we came out with a win. Everything went great.

What is the biggest difference between college and professional basketball?
Definitely the speed, the pace, and the physical ability; you definitely have to work hard for every point you get. We did a great job executing, but we have a lot of work to do. We are definitely going to go back home and improve. It was definitely physical out there.

What did you guys focus on during the second half in order to win the game?
We focused on ourselves more. We said that we were going to execute our plays; we were going to run, get the rebounds and just go. We kind of focused on ourselves instead of focusing more on the Monarchs.

Tangela Smith:
You were down as many as 13 in the first half, what did you guys focus on in order to come back and win the game?
We came out and tried to limit our turnovers and we needed to play great defense. We tried to get the rebounds. We like to run. We tried to do what we do. It�s preseason and we still are working on a lot of stuff.

How does it feel coming back to a city you played in for a number of years?
It feels great coming back here. The fans always show me much love. I was here for seven years and I feel so comfortable here and I love coming back.