The Monarchs tipped-off another summer of WNBA basketball at ARCO Arena Saturday, but as the team's roster was announced by Monarchs emcees Sara and Amanda, no opposing team awaited their introduction.

It was a practice, but not the typical arduous training camp type which features a lot of sweat, teaching and Gatorade normally closed to the public. While the sweat, teaching and Gatorade were still in abundance, so was an audience of Monarchs fans who had the opportunity to get a glimpse of the 2008 team featuring three of the team's four rookies, a handful of training camp invitees and several of the Monarchs veterans.

"They are so much a part of what we do here in Sacramento," Monarchs head coach Jenny Boucek said of the fans on hand. "They are seeing us building our foundation. It's not necessarily the prettiest thing right now, but we want them to be a part of the ground floor so that they can experience the whole journey with us. So it's fun to have them out here."

After running onto the court waving to the crowd, the players' smiles quickly turned to focus and hard work.

For more than two-and-a-half hours the Monarchs worked on defensive and offensive drills that ran both halfcourt and full-court.

"We're focusing on our foundation right now which is defense and unity," Boucek said. "So we're focusing on things like our defensive principles, our communication and our chemistry. And on offense, we're focusing on pushing the ball and trying to play at a faster pace this year."

Throughout practice the unity was apparent as veterans and rookies alike complimented, encouraged and helped one another. During a break in action more than halfway through the practice, Adrian Williams-Strong assisted Izabela Pierkarska with defensive positioning while Chelsea Newtown gave A'Quonesia Franklin some veteran insight.

"That is part of our identity," Boucek said smiling. "We want to be the most unified team in the League and that comes with positive energy and helping each other. We want to do that on a level that's never been seen in the WNBA."

With practice running longer than a typical game, Monarchs fans in attendance had a chance to check out the latest Monarchs clothing and paraphernalia and enjoy refreshments.

To conclude practice, just as they do regularly behind closed doors, the Monarchs scrimmaged a select group of men. Unlike a game, the scrimmage gives the team an ideal setting to work on different defensive and offensive elements. On Saturday, one of the elements of focus was offensive timing. To the delight of the fans, the Monarchs came away with a 30-29 win, proving that at least on the sixth day of training camp the offensive timing is headed in the right direction, just like the team.

"I think they look good and I think the prospects are very good," longtime Monarchs Season Ticket Holder Marcia Virago said. "I heard Coach say they need to work on some things and focus. I think when they do that and practice, practice, practice they're going to be one of the best teams."

When the Monarchs returned to the hardwood Sunday there weren't any fans in attendance to cheer them on, but it was fun while it lasted.

"This was a lot of fun to perform in front of the fans," veteran Kim Smith said. "You're in the same practice facility every day, so it's nice to change things up and it's great when you score a basket and someone is cheering."

The Monarchs are a HOT ticket this summer! Expect Great Basketball this Friday at 7 p.m. as the Monarchs host the Seattle Storm in the team's only preseason contest at ARCO Arena. Click here to buy tickets.