![Layshia Clarendon helped the Atlanta Dream grab a win on the first day of the new WNBA season. [Image via Blasting News image library/nbcnews.com]](https://staticr1.blastingcdn.com/media/photogallery/2017/5/14/660x290/b_502x220x82/layshia-clarendon-helped-the-atlanta-dream-grab-a-win-on-the-first-day-of-the-new-wnba-season-image-via-blasting-news-image-librarynbcnewscom_1326943.jpg "Layshia Clarendon helped the Atlanta Dream grab a win on the first day of the new WNBA season. [Image via Blasting News image library/nbcnews.com]")
On the final game of the first day of the 2017 Wnba Season, the Atlanta Dream snagged a victory on the road from the Connecticut Sun, 81-74. The game featured several former University of Connecticut players leading the way for their respective teams as well as one player grabbing 20 rebounds for her stat line.
However, it was Tiffany Hayes and the Atlanta Dream who walked away with the season-opening win. Here's a look at how Atlanta topped Connecticut at their home arena on Saturday to open the 2017 WNBA season with a 1-0 start.
How the Dream won
Starting guard Tiffany Hayes was today's leading scorer for the Dream. The former UCONN star had 19 points despite going just three-for-11 from the floor for a 27.3 percent shooting rate. Hayes was 11-for-12 from the free throw line, though, which gave her the bulk of her points.
She also pulled down six rebounds in today's matchup. Her teammate Layshia Clarendon scored 14 points, while Damiris Dantas scored 13. As a team, Atlanta shot just 38.8 percent from the floor and just 19 percent from three-point range. However, the Dream outscored their opponents in each quarter except the third, which the Sun won 16-13.
For the losing side, it was another former UCONN player getting it done.
Forward Morgan Tuck shot 7-for-18 from the floor for 38.9 percent. She finished with 21 points, three rebounds, and two assists. Courtney Williams shot much better, going 8-for-14 and netting 18 points, while guard Jasmine Thomas finished the game with 14 points.
Jonquel Jones pulled in a game-high 20 rebounds in the loss. The Sun shot just 36.5 percent from the floor today and out-rebounded their opponents by a stunning 44-33 margin.
Still, the turnovers told the story for CT's loss, as they had 17 of them compared to just eight for the visiting team.
What's up next?
The Atlanta Dream will get just under a week of rest before their next matchup takes place. They'll be on the road against the Chicago Sky on Friday, May 19th. Game time is scheduled for 8:30 p.m.
Eastern Time with WNBA League Pass and The U Too offering the live game coverage for fans.
With a 0-1 start, the Connecticut Sun will look to turn things around in a week as they'll have a road game. The Sun will visit the Indiana Fever on Saturday, May 20th with game time at 7 p.m. Eastern Time. This game will be available for viewers to watch on WNBA League Pass or Fox Sports 1 (FS1) channel on television.
