A compilation of previously published sports clips:
Serena Williams Wins U.S. Open
Finally tested at the U.S. Open, Serena Williams turned things around just in time. Two points away from defeat, Williams quickly regained her composure and won the last four games to beat No. 1-ranked Victoria Azarenka 6-2, 2-6, 7-5 on Sunday, September 9 for her fourth championship at Flushing Meadows and her 15th Grand Slam title. It was the first three-set women's final in New York since 1995, and Williams came through with a late charge. Williams is the first woman to win Wimbledon and the U.S. Open in the same season since accomplishing the same feat a decade ago.
Former Wizard Blatche Finds New Home
Nearly two months after the Wizards paid him $23 million to leave; Andray Blatche has found his second NBA home with the Brooklyn Nets. Blatche's agent, Andy Miller, confirmed on Friday, September 7 that Blatche will sign a contract with Brooklyn sometime next week.
Griffin III Shines in Season-Opening Win
When Robert Griffin III and the Redskins headed to the locker room at halftime of Sunday's game against the New Orleans Saints, the rookie quarterback's stat line read: 11-for-13 for 182 yards and two touchdowns to go along with a perfect 158.3 passer rating. Griffin III also had nine carries for 30 yards. His NFL debut ended with him completing 19 of 26 passes for 320 yards and two touchdowns. The 40 points marked the most scored by the Redskins since Mike Shanahan took over as head coach in 2010. The Superdome crowd of 72,180 that reached a deafening pitch prior to kickoff, filed out in silence as the Redskins defeated the Saints 40-32. According to the Redskins PR staff, Griffin became the first rookie quarterback in NFL history to post a perfect passer rating in the first half of his first game.
Jamaica Upsets U.S. Men's Soccer
In a World Cup qualifying game, the U.S. men's soccer team fell to Jamaica for first time after 10 defeats and 8 draws. The Reggae Boyz from Jamaica finally broke through against the United States in a World Cup qualifying game in Kingston, Jamaica on Friday, September 7. The Reggae Boyz defeated USA 2-1 to move atop the CONCACAF semifinal-round group.
Washington Nationals Host Heroes Day
The Washington Nationals, in collaboration with Science Applications International Corporation [SAIC], observed Heroes Day on Sunday, September 9 at Nationals Park in Southeast to honor American heroes and recognize the resolve and compassion they demonstrated in response to the events on September 11, 2001. Before the start of the game against the Miami Marlins, the Nationals hosted a special on-field remembrance ceremony that paid tribute to the victims and their families, as well as the countless rescue, aid, military and law enforcement workers who risk their lives in service every day.
WNBA Recognized for its Business Model
The WNBA has reaffirmed its distinction as the top professional sports league in hiring women and minorities to management positions. The league received a combined "A-plus'' for its diversity efforts in grades released Wednesday in the annual report by the University of Central Florida's Institute for Diversity and Ethics in Sport.
Team USA Honored By WNBA
The women of Team USA – fresh from the Olympic Games in London where they earned 58 of the 104 medals for the United States – will receive the WNBA Inspiration Award for 2012. The USA Basketball Women's National Team, the most decorated women's team in U.S. Olympic history, is also slated to receive special recognition at a luncheon to celebrate Team USA and others who have blazed new paths on the court. The event will take place on Monday, September 10, at Chelsea Piers in New York City where more than 300 people from the world of entertainment, sports, business and politics are expected to attend.
Nationals Shut Down Strasburg
The Washington Nationals have decided to rest Stephen Strasburg for the remainder of the season as the team prepares for post-season play next month. "I don't know if I'm ever going to accept it," said Strasburg, who called his morning meeting with General Manager Mike Rizzo and Manager Davey Johnson a "shocking" experience. (Include small photo # 8141)
Sports Highlights is a compilation of previously published news clips.
The 96-68 loss in front of 7,468 fans on Friday, September 7 at the Verizon Center was the Mystics' seventh in a row and 13th in their last 15 games. The game was a homecoming for Alana Beard who started for the Mystics from 2004 to 2009 before sitting out both the 2010 and 2011 seasons while nursing an injured left ankle. "I really couldn't tell whose arena it was, because every time we'd score they would cheer, every time the Mystics scored they would cheer," Beard said. "So it just felt good to be back and see familiar faces." /Photo by John E. De Freitas
