The calm before more storm

About last night:

The Mercury bounced the Wings from the playoffs, 101-83.

The Sparks eliminated the Lynx, 75-68.

Tomorrow's second-round, loser out games:

Sparks at Mystics

Mercury at Sun

Second round playoff action:

For the Mercury, it was win, pack and go to the airport.

Phoenix and Connecticut are rematched tomorrow night.

The Mystics will have a new home for the playoffs.

WNBA team news:

After an unprecedented run, the Lynx face challenges with an aging roster and expiring contracts.

The Fever are entering a crucial offseason for a rebuild.

An uncertain offseason awaits the Wings.

The Aces embark on the offseason with an eye on improvement.

WNBA player news:

Sparks forward Nneka Ogwumnike has been battling mononucleosis. I asked the organization twice what was wrong with her, and they wouldn't tell me.

The Lynx will survive the post-Lindsay Whalen era, but they need more from Maya Moore.

Minnesota players have had an unshakable bond.

Kristi Toliver is the veteran force fueling the Mystics.

Some of Sun fans' loudest cheers are reserved for Courtney Williams.

Layshia Clarendon is an activist and a survivor.

Liz Cambage might return to the WNBA next year after all.

Cambage and a teen fan bonded over their struggles.

Cambage's focus now turns to the World Cup.

NCAA news:

The Division I Women's Basketball Committee visited San Antonio in consideration for a Final Four.

College player news:

Marina Mabrey still gets the point for Notre Dame.

College coach news:

Duke coach Joanne McCallie and Felicia Legette-Jack are taking the proactive approach with mental health and their athletes.

Baylor coach Kim Mulkey will have spinal fusion surgery.

Dawn Staley is happy to see women's basketball dynasties end, as long as it's not South Carolina.

Binghamton's new assistant coach is Matt Thune.

The new assistant coach at Clemson has worked in the NBA.

Nicky Anosike returns to Tennessee as a grad assistant.

Bonus:

The 1986 women ushered in a golden era.

One young athlete says being openly gay is pushing people out of the game.

World Cup group B primer.