The Golden State Valkyries are looking to keep pace with the WNBA Western Conference leaders with a matchup against the Connecticut Sun Monday evening at Ballhalla.

The Valkyries come into the contest with a 3-2 record, good for 3rd place in the Western Conference standings behind Las Vegas and Minnesota who are tied at the top of the conference at 4-2. The Sun have struggled so far this season, and their 1-6 record has them currently at the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings.

Through the opening stretch, Golden State been one of the league’s stingiest defensive teams while also showing more offensive balance than many expected, showing their record-setting inaugural season was not a fluke. Janelle Salaün is solidifying her role as a foundational player for the Valkyries, including a 21-point performance in the home-opening win over the Phoenix Mercury which followed a 20-point showing in the season opener against the Seattle Storm.

For the Sun, one of the most encouraging young players is Olivia Nelson-Ododa, who is following her breakout season last year when she posted career highs in nearly every category. The former UConn center has become one of the team’s most efficient players, shooting nearly 69% from the field so far this season while contributing strong rebounding and rim protection. Although she has missed the last three games with a right ankle sprain, she was listed as probable for Monday’s game at Chase Center in San Francisco.

If Golden State controls tempo and turns the game into a defensive grind, they’re heavily favored, with most sports books listing the Valkyries at around -12.5. If Connecticut can speed things up and get cleaner half-court creation, the game becomes much more competitive.

How to watch the Golden State Valkyries vs. Connecticut Sun

What: Golden State Valkyries vs. Connecticut Sun

Date: Monday, May 25

Time: Pregame show 6:30 p.m., tip-off 7 p.m. PDT

Location: Chase Center, San Francisco

On TV: KPIX+ 44 / Cable 12 in the Bay Area, KMAX 31 in Sacramento

On Radio: 95.7 The Game, Audacy App

SANFORD, Maine (WGME) — While some may see Monday as the unofficial start to summer, Maine leaders are using Memorial Day to honor those who served and sacrificed for our country.

There are more than 1,200 burials at the Southern Maine Veterans Cemetery. Veterans here Monday say each one of these gravestones not only represent an American who fought for this country, but someone who never asked anything in return for their sacrifice.

“Memorial Day is unlike any other day. Memorial Day is a national day of recognition,” U.S. Navy veteran Captain James Mentor said.

“I am visiting Jeffery Travis,” Ruthel LeTournaeu said. “He was my significant other. It’s kinda peaceful actually, I try to make it easy.”

Among the many Monday checking in on their relatives was Senator Susan Collins reminding Mainers what Memorial Day truly means.

“As we come together today, as we look at the rows of headstones, the flowers, and the flags, we see our history,” Collins said.

Other Maine leaders paying their respects to fallen veterans as well, including Senator Angus King.

“Celebrate Memorial Day have a great time with friends and family, but stop for a minute to remember the sacrifices of those who made it all possible,” King said.

While some may see Monday as the unofficial start to summer, Maine leaders are using Memorial Day to honor those who served. (WGME)

Governor Mills honoring veterans in Gouldsboro Monday writing to CBS 13: “We thank the men and women whose lives were lost in combat in the past, and we pray for the prompt return of those now serving in foreign lands.”

It’s been a somber few weeks in Maine with the passing of two Mainers: Maine game warden Joshua Tibbetts, who died in a plane crash, and Morrill firefighter Andrew Cross, who lost his life battling an intense blaze in Searsmont.

Senator Collins also in Searsmont, marching in a Memorial Day parade where firefighter Cross was honored.

Massachusetts paused Monday to mark Memorial Day.

Somber remembrances and celebrations of servicemembers took place across the Bay State.

“Our great nation is made possible by their sacrifice,” said Gov. Maura Healey.

From the Tewksbury Memorial Day Parade to the Puerto Rican Veterans’ Memorial in Boston, Massachusetts paid tribute to those that made the ultimate sacrifice.

“I hear the stories of our residents who have served. Their names are on our heroes’ squares, they’re also etched in our hearts,” said Boston Mayor Michelle Wu.

A solemn tribute was made Friday to Massachusetts servicemembers who made the ultimate sacrifice.

“All that we cherish, all that we hold dear,” said Healey. “Our freedoms, our rights, our property, our dreams, they gave their lives for it.”

Congressman Seth Moulton, a Marine Corps veteran, shared who he thinks about when Memorial Day comes around.

“There’s not just one, unfortunately. There’s a number that I served with that didn’t come home, and there are others who have died from their wounds since coming back,” he said.

While reflection remains the focus, Memorial Day also serves as a reminder of the life that we get to enjoy as Americans — taking pleasure in the little things and thanking those that make it possible in the first place.

“My dad was in the military for 30 years, so it’s a great way to celebrate those that have served,” said Tewksbury resident Laura Clymer.

“Everything, that’s our freedom,” said Tewksbury resident Ellen Naughton.

“It’s why we’re here, and we can enjoy the things we have,” said Tewksbury resident Mike Chapman.

Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll also spoke at the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Agawam on Monday. The Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne held a ceremony, as well.