Winnie Sagasimold traveled to Minneapolis 36 hours before the start of Game 5 of the WNBA Finals between the Minnesota Lynx and New York Liberty.
She wanted to meet other female sports fans in her new city, and when she went to A Bar of Their Own in Minneapolis’ Seward neighborhood on a Sunday night, the tables were filled with new friends.
Ahead of Sunday’s final game of the WNBA Finals, a sign is posted on the door indicating that A Bar of Their Own is full.
Nicole Neri of MPR News
Minnesota fans packed the bar wearing blue and green face paint and lynx cat ears. Fans started lining up to get seats around 3:30 p.m., and the bar was full by 4 p.m.
The Lynx started well in the first half, but lost to Liberty in overtime. This was New York’s first WNBA Championship title. The team has advanced to the finals five times, but lost each time.
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Lynx’s Kayla McBride made two free throws in overtime, potentially tying the game, but Bridget Carleton missed a 3-pointer, potentially sending the team into double overtime. There was sex.
Liberty’s Brianna Stewart made two free throws with 10 seconds left to seal the victory.
Demi Bradley reacts to a missed shot by the Minnesota Lynx during the second half of the final game of the WNBA Finals at A Bar of Their Own.
Nicole Neri of MPR News
It was the first time since May 2023 that Lynx star Napheesa Collier had to leave a game due to a foul. Collier scored 22 points in this game, but the first half was better than the second.
Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve told reporters after the game that she thought the officiating was uneven, especially in Game 5.
“What kind of contact is legal should be the same for both teams, which is not that difficult, so it’s disappointing,” she said. “Congratulations to Liberty for their first win. How long has it been since the league was born? 28 years, it took 28 years, congratulations to them. They were so close to fifth place, but that didn’t happen. Ta.”
Minnesota Lynx forward Napheesa Collier loses the ball to New York Liberty forward Leonie Fibich and forward Brianna Stewart during the third quarter of Game 5 in New York.
Pamela Smith | AP
For the Lynx, starter Kayla McBride scored 21 points. She said the loss stung even more because of the bond the team had built during this season.
“And I’m saying this is my 11th season and being able to go out and compete against women that I consider sisters…that’s why I feel this way,” she said. “Because we came to work every day and we enjoyed being together. We enjoyed competing against each other and fighting for each other, and that’s why we’re here. That’s why we gave ourselves a chance to compete for a championship.”
Emily Figueroa cheers during the first half of Game 5 of the WNBA Finals at A Bar of Their Own in Minneapolis.
Nicole Neri of MPR News
Tamunoomi Alabo learned about Bar of Their Own while searching online for watch parties near her. Arabo, 20, has been an avid female sports fan since around 2010. She says support for women’s sport is much delayed this year, but would still be welcomed.
“It’s really nice when people see women for who they are, like trailblazers, icons, legends, and know that they deserve it. I just love seeing that. I really do. Heart. It will be warm.”
Cammy Hatfield and Simone Droghe said they gradually became “in love” with the WNBA, and more specifically the Lynx, this season, and decided to purchase season tickets for next year.
“We love them, we love the team. I think the reason we were able to push like this against New York is because, again, they’re star-studded there.” she said. “Their talent is extraordinary, and so is our talent, but we have a chemistry and a cohesiveness that I don’t necessarily think they have. And that’s why we want them I think that’s one of the reasons we were able to deliver the series to ‘We did that. I think this team has a really good story and a really good heart, so I’m going to keep watching them. ”
Demi Bradley and KylieLynn Cullen hug as they watch the Minnesota Lynx score during the second half of Game 5 of the WNBA Finals during a watch party at A Bar of Their Own.
Nicole Neri of MPR News
A Bar of Their Own wasn’t the only local venue to host a watch party. More than 700 guests gathered at the Riverview Theater in Minneapolis for the game. They had to turn people away at the door.
Kathy Weiss, a season ticket holder for the past 15 years, has been coming to the theater and said she always knew the Lynx had potential. She remembers going to the first few games, when only a few hundred people showed up.
“I’m really happy that people are watching women’s sports right now. I’m proud of the state I live in,” Weiss said. “When I was a kid, I didn’t have anyone to support me. I played sports, but I didn’t see any role models that said I could do more than what I did in primary school… That’s a big deal.”
Napheesa Collier of the Minnesota Lynx will be activated before Game 3 of the WNBA Finals against the New York Liberty on October 16th at Target Center in Minneapolis.
MPR News’ Stephen Mathuren
Weiss was with her friend Molly Cooke, who was sure she would also be a season ticket holder for next season. She says she went to see a game and fell in love with it.
As for Sagagemordo, he plans to return to the bar soon.
“It was exactly what I needed. It planted the seed and here I am, for sure,” she said. “Honestly, I love seeing women grow and succeed and do what they love. It was so cool to see Minnesota get the representation it deserves. I love it. Yes, absolutely.”
Sam Sheltner multitasks during the first half of the WNBA Finals final game as the Minnesota Lynx take on the New York Liberty in a bar of their own.
Nicole Neri of MPR News
