May 28, 2009
Liberty - Sun Box Score
Sun - Dream Box Score
Sun rookies make first impression in preseason-opening win (Norwich Bulletin)
NORMAL, Ill. - Former Illinois State guard Kristi Cirone is doing her best to make the Connecticut Sun roster as a free agent. One of three free agents the Sun signed, Cirone has been in training camp for more than a week and has played two exhibition games.
Cirone made quite an impact in her professional debut against the New York Liberty May 22. She scored four points, making both of her field goal attempts, and added one assist and one steal, but her impact went far beyond the stat line.
The Sun led throughout the game, but New York managed to cut the deficit down to three points with just under four minutes left in the game. Cirone and fellow free agent, Ashley Hayes, the 2009 Ohio Valley Conference Player of the Year from Murray State, checked into the game for the first time at that point and provided a spark that led the Sun to a 74-62 victory. Right off the bat, Cirone fed Hayes for a three-pointer. Cirone also dove out of bounds to save a loose ball and showed the composure of a veteran while running the point for the Sun.
Cirone played nearly six minutes in the Sun's 76-73 loss to the Atlanta Dream Wednesday, May 27. She had one assist, one turnover and missed her only shot attempt in 5:51.
Connecticut has one final preseason game on its schedule, hosting the Los Angeles Sparks Sunday, May 31. The regular season begins June 6 against the Washington Mystics.
