TRAVERSE CITY -- Last summer, Detroit coach Bill Laimbeer brought the Shock to Traverse City over the Olympic break to relax, practice and interact with the northern Michigan fans.
They're back.
The WNBA defending champion Shock spent a few days in Traverse City this week before ending the preseason schedule with an exhibition with San Antonio at 7 p.m. today at Traverse City West High School. The game is a rematch of last year's WNBA Finals. Detroit swept the series 3-0.
"It's cold here, but it's always good to get out and get some different scenery," Shock forward Plenette Pierson said.
Tickets for today's contest cost $15 while children 2 and under get in for free. Doors open at 6 p.m.
"It means a lot because we know a lot of people up here are fans," Pierson said of playing in TC. "Especially since some of them aren't able to come down and see us at The Palace of Auburn Hills."
Wrapping up the preseason wasn't the only thing on the agenda in northern Michigan for the team. Players and coaches are putting on a basketball clinic at West High School today from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. And Friday, they hosted a Feed the Children truck delivery for the Grand Traverse Area Women's Resource Center, giving away 800 boxes of food and personal care items to those in need.
"It's great to give back in a community that has given us so much support," Pierson said. "You feel the love."
After tonight's game, Detroit will turn its attention to defending its WNBA title. It's a role the Shock are familiar with after winning their third crown in six seasons.
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"We know what we have to do," Pierson said. "We'll have a target on our back, but we have to be fundamentally sound and get after things."
The regular season begins next Saturday at Los Angeles on ABC. The teams then come to Detroit on June 8 for the Shock home opener.
"The great thing is we have the majority of the team coming back," Pierson said. "We have a lot of obstacles to overcome, but everyone is coming back with a lot of confidence."
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