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Voepel: Indiana prepares to take on defending champ

Indiana pulled off the upset to advance to the WNBA Finals. Now, especially if an ankle sprain hampers Katie Douglas, the Fever face another uphill battle against the defending WNBA champion.

Oct 12 | By Mechelle Voepel

Voepel: Bricio, USC putting on a show in weekly power rankings

Penn State may be atop our women's volleyball power rankings, but USC freshman Samantha Bricio is putting on a show out west.

Oct 10 2:01 PM ET | By Mechelle Voepel

Voepel: Fever's Larkins making most of WNBA return

After being out of the WNBA for two years, Erlana Larkins was just trying to lock up a job back in May. Now, she's trying to help Indiana finish one and could have a big impact on Game 3 of the East finals.

Oct 10 | By Mechelle Voepel

Voepel: Zellous puts finishing touch on Fever win

In the latest WNBA playoff game with down-to-the-wire drama, Shavonte Zellous' second field goal of the night helped the Fever beat the Sun and force the East finals to a decisive Game 3.

Oct 8 | By Mechelle Voepel

Lynx have Sparks on their heels

Oct 6 | By Mechelle Voepel

Voepel: Defending champ Lynx to face rested Sparks

The Sparks are well-rested. The Lynx, meanwhile, had to gut out a three-game series with Seattle. Will it impact Thursday's Game 1 of the Western Conference finals?

Oct 4 | By Mechelle Voepel

Voepel: Whalen helps Minnesota regain mojo

Fatigue. Injured point guard. Loss of momentum. Minnesota could have bought into a big list of excuses and flopped Thursday. Instead, Lindsay Whalen set the tone from the opening tip.

Oct 4 | By Mechelle Voepel

Voepel: Douglas, Fever ready to face Sun

Katie Douglas was a big part of Connecticut's last trip to the WNBA Finals. Now, the Indiana Fever star will try to be a key part of keeping the Sun from playing for a league title.

Oct 4 | By Mechelle Voepel

Voepel: Gil helps Washington climb up the rankings

Amanda Gil's career has experienced a resurrection with Washington this season, and she has helped the Huskies to an undefeated start and the No. 3 spot in our latest volleyball power rankings.

Oct 2 4:02 PM ET | By Mechelle Voepel

Voepel: Lynx survive the Storm, reach West finals

Minnesota, trying to repeat as WNBA champions, advanced to play Los Angeles when Seattle's Lauren Jackson missed a shot as time expired.

Oct 2 | By Mechelle Voepel

Voepel: Dream, Lynx looking for Game 3 wins

Atlanta and Minnesota made the WNBA Finals last season but face tough Game 3 tests Tuesday just to reach this year's conference finals.

Oct 1 | By Mechelle Voepel

Voepel: Storm's double-overtime win is a game to savor

Seattle was staring the end of this season right in the face, but instead forced Minnesota to a third game in a wild, memorable 86-79 double-overtime victory.

Sep 30 | By Mechelle Voepel

Voepel: Storm have one more chance to keep season alive

The Storm know how hard it is to beat Minnesota. But they also know they blew a realistic chance to win Game 1. Now, with the season on the line, Seattle must be as all business as the Lynx are to even the series Sunday.

Sep 29 | By Mechelle Voepel

Voepel: Moore, Lynx turn away Storm in Game 1

Minnesota opened defense of its WNBA title with a win over Seattle on Friday. It wasn't the vintage performance the Lynx are used to, but Maya Moore made sure it was enough.

Sep 28 | By Mechelle Voepel

Voepel: Seattle identity still taking shape heading into playoffs

The Storm have been a bit of a mixed bag this season. But will their work in progress peak at the right time in the first round against defending champ Minnesota?

Sep 27 | By Mechelle Voepel

Voepel: Oregon climbs up the weekly power rankings

The Pac-12 is used to being a power in women's volleyball, but an unfamiliar team is leading the conference's charge this season and showing their power in this week's volleyball power rankings.

Sep 28 11:30 AM ET | By Mechelle Voepel

Voepel: Lottery has Mercury smiling but is nightmare for Mystics

Phoenix walked away with the No. 1 pick in Wednesday's WNBA draft lottery. And while it made the Mercury's day, it was the worst-case scenario for Washington, which had the best odds of winning the top pick in the lottery.

Sep 26 | By Mechelle Voepel

Voepel: Sky, Mystics, Shock and Mercury await draft lottery

Before the most anticipated draft in WNBA history, the Mystics, Shock, Sky and Mercury hope to win the No. 1 pick -- which likely will be Baylor game-changer Brittney Griner -- in Wednesday's draft lottery.

Sep 25 | By Mechelle Voepel

Mystics let Lacey go, take step in new direction

Sep 24 | By Mechelle Voepel

Voepel: Lynx are favorites in WNBA playoffs

With the league's best record and a pair of MVP candidates, defending champion Minnesota is the favorite when the 2012 WNBA playoffs open Thursday.

Sep 24 | By Mechelle Voepel

Before playoffs, all eyes on draft lottery

Sep 21 | By Mechelle Voepel

Voepel: Penicheiro gave fans plenty to appreciate

Ticha Penicheiro has just one WNBA game left before she retires. But we've witnessed many great memories from one of the greatest point guards.

Sep 20 | By Mechelle Voepel

Voepel: Clashing titans in weekly power rankings

UCLA passed last week's tests to stay atop our volleyball power rankings, but, with conference season upon us, the Bruins are set to face crosstown rival USC.

Sep 18 11:55 AM ET | By Mechelle Voepel

Voepel: Shin further cements Asian dominance

With the victory by South Korea's Jiyai Shin in the Women's British Open, Asian players have won all four majors for the first time in LPGA history.

Sep 17 4:51 PM ET | By Mechelle Voepel