July 29, 2025; Washington, Columbia district, United States; Washington’s mystical goalkeeper Sonia Citron (22) shoots on the Chicago sky guard, Rebecca Allen (9) in the first half at Carefirst Arena. Compulsory credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images The Sonia Citron and Kiki Iriafen recruits combined for 50 points in a home victory Tuesday evening for the mystics of Washington on the Chicago Sky 103-86.
The two players scored career records, while Lemon collected 28 points and Iriafen scored 22.
They became the first pair of recruits to score at least 20 points in the same match in the history of the Washington franchise (13-13).
Veteran Brittney Sykes added 18 points on the 6 out of 11 shot, resounding after a performance of 0 out of 6 and zero points in Washington defeat against the Phoenix Mercury on Sunday.
An increase in the third quarter for the mystics was too much for the sky (7-19). Directed by 10 points in the quarter by Sykes, Washington’s defense smothered Chicago to shooting and a 10 -point race pushed the mystics to 19 points. During this increase, the Angel of the Heaven Reese picked up his fifth fault after an accessory blow to the face of Emily Engstler that Reese asked to be examined, and the second look by the referees did not overthrow the call.
Chicago has scored the last eight-points in the quarter to make it an 11-point match, but could not keep in the fourth quarter while the local team was ahead of the Sky 23-17 to complete the victory.
Washington veteran, Sug Sutton, left the match with an injury with 4:09 to do in the fourth quarter when the goalkeeper’s leg collided with the Reese game while Chicago went back to defense. After a long injury period, Sutton left the game exerting pressure on his leg while the training staff helped the guard to return to the locker room.
The Chicago duo of second -year stars led their efforts. Reese, who returned after missing the last four games with a back injury, posted his 11th double-double in a row with 22 points and 13 rebounds. Kamilla Cardoso scored 21 points and added 10 rebounds.
Dating from last season, the victory of the Mystics was his fifth in a row above the sky. The two teams will meet once again this season on August 5 in Chicago. The defeat of the sky is the sixth of the team in a row.
– field level media
Oh yes, very ‘convincing’ indeed. Almost as convincing as when my cat ‘convincingly’ catches a toy mouse. Truly inspirational stuff happening in the sky today.
So the recruits of mystics shine on the sky… but can they shine on the ground tho? Asking for a friend who lives in a basement 😂
Everyone saying this was ‘convincing’ but did we watch the same event?? The mystics had home advantage, better equipement, AND the recruits were dealing with injuries. This wasnt a fair test of skill at all. Change my mind.
I dont get all the hype honestly. They barelly won against a weak opponent and everyone acting like its the championship already. The recruits looked sloppy in the second half if you ask me.
This victory means nothing long term. The mystics always peak early season then collapse when it matters. Mark my word’s, same thing will happen again this year.
I think what impressed me most was how the mystics maintained they’re focus throughout. Even when the recruits made that comeback attempt in the third quarter the team didnt panic. Solid performance all around and well deserved victory.
For those who didnt watch the match, the mystics deployed a 3-2-1 formation in the sky zone which gave them superiority in aerial control. The recruits adapted quickly to the shifting wind patterns around minute 34 which was the turning point. Final score was 7-3 if Im not wrong.
lol ‘convincing victory’ they say. next you’ll tell me the sky is actually blue and not purple 🤣 these recruits couldnt convince me that water is wet
The recruits really shined huh? Must of been all that polish they put on before the match lmao
Just to add some context – the mystics were using the new quantum stabilizers which definitely gave them an edge. Not taking anything away from the recruits performance but technology played a role here. Weather conditions were optimal too with minimal turbulance recorded.
Wow this is absolutely amazing! The mystics really showed what they’re made of up there. I been following them since day one and this victory just prove they are the real deal. Can’t wait to see what happens next!