PHOENIX — The real truth about why Courtney Vandersloot rejoined the Sky?
She was gunning for Allie Quigley’s Sky career scoring record.
At least, that’s what Vandersloot deadpanned Tuesday before a game against the Mercury she went into with 3,700 Sky points — 23 shy of the mark her wife set over her last 10 seasons in the league.
“Obviously, she is a better scorer than I am,” said Vandersloot, already the Sky leader in assists, steals and games played (362, to Quigley’s 313). “I needed a couple more years to pass her, which is why I came back. Just kidding.”
Quigley and Vandersloot are the only members of the Sky’s 3,000-point club. Their longevity with the team made it possible.
“We both played here for a really long time,” Vandersloot said. “It would be more shocking if we weren’t up there, I guess.”
Quigley’s record of 504 is safe for the foreseeable future. At least she’ll still have that going for her.
“It’s Allie, and anybody that knows Allie knows she doesn’t think twice about a record or being in the record books,” Vandersloot said. “But I think she would say that if anybody is going to beat it, she’d want it to be me. Keep it in the family.”
Sister act
While Sky rookie Maddy Westbeld was fighting for a roster spot in training camp, Kathryn Westbeld was doing the same with the Mercury. Only Kathryn is six years older, having played professionally in Australia, Spain, Italy, Israel and Hungary before finally — at 29 — making the WNBA cut.
Now, the Notre Dame alums can say they’ve played in a real game against each other — for the first time at any level. Their parents and three siblings were in the house at PHX Arena to take in a special moment.
“She has been my biggest role model my entire life,” Maddy said. “I’m just so proud, so proud of us.”
Investigation concludes
The WNBA’s investigation into allegations of racist taunts directed at the Sky’s Angel Reese from the Indianapolis crowd during the May 17 season opener did not find evidence to substantiate them.
“Based on information gathered to date, including from relevant fans, team and arena staff, as well as audio and review of the game, we have not substantiated it,” the league announced Tuesday.
The statement went on to say the league is “committed to fostering a safe and inclusive environment for everyone and will continue to be vigilant in enforcing our fan code of conduct.”
Asked for her reaction a little over an hour before tipoff, Reese said, “Yeah, I’m just focused on the game today.” Asked a follow-up, she repeated that answer.
Said coach Tyler Marsh, “We appreciate the investigation being done and we just hope that the league continues to make the steps necessary moving forward to ensure a safe environment for everyone, all players included.”
Now UC her, now you don’t
The June 7 home game against the Fever will be held at the United Center whether or not injured superstar Caitlin Clark is able to play, the Sky confirmed.
It will be the first WNBA game played at the UC, which accommodates approximately twice as many fans as 10,387-seat Wintrust Arena.
Clark is expected to be on the shelf for at least two weeks because of a strained quadriceps. A second Sky-Fever game is slated for the UC on July 26.