UTAH STARZZ Natalie Williams is to Utah what Chamique Holdsclaw is to Washington. Williams, a two-time MVP in the ABL, will be expected to carry the Starzz, who struggled to a 8-21 record last season. She'll make an immediate impact on and off the court. The Starzz drew an average of 8,000 fans to home games last year, but that number should rise with Williams, a native of Salt Lake City. Last year Williams, 27, was named the state of Utah's female athlete of the century. "Our draft picks are doing well, particularly Natalie Williams has lived up to her pre-billing," coach Frank Layden said. "She's a terrific athlete and has uplifted our team. She's a real quality player. We are also real happy with Debbie Black who adds a lot of excitement to us and is a real spark plug-type player." Black was also an award-winner in the ABL, being named the Defensive Player of the Year. Black led the league in steals and assists. Even the Starzz's third round pick should contribute this year -- ABL veteran forward Adrienne Goodson. Goodson, 32, averaged 17.7 points with the Chicago Condors. SI for Women's bottom line: The young Starzz got older in a hurry with Black, a 32-year-old vocal leader, and 1997-98 ABL MVP Williams, 28. But Utah needs to shore up its perimeter game before it can contend in this tough conference. ROSTER No. 10 28         12 34   11   24   4 32 0   3   Name Tricia Bader Elena Baranova Ellen Bayer Debbie Black Michelle Campbell Crystal Carpenter Malgorzata Dydek Kari Gallup Adrienne Goodson Dena Head Dalma Ivanyi LaTonya Johnson Krystyna Lara Wendy Palmer Tammi Reiss Olympia Scott Marlene Stollings Chantel Tremitiere Natalie Williams Pos. G C C G F G C G F G G F G F G F G G C HT 5-4 6-5 6-9 5-3 6-7 5-11 7-2 5-11 6-0 5-10 5-10 6-0 5-8 6-2 5-6 6-2 6-0 5-6 6-2

SCHEDULE Jun. 12 -- Orlando, 9 p.m. Jun. 14 -- at Minnesota, 8 p.m. Jun. 17 -- at Houston, 8:30 p.m. Jun. 19 -- Sacramento, 9 p.m. Jun. 24 -- at Sacramento, 4 p.m. Jun. 26 -- Minnesota, 9 p.m. Jun. 28 -- at Los Angeles, 10:30 p.m. Jun. 30 -- Houston, 9 p.m. Jul. 2 -- Cleveland, 9 p.m. Jul. 6 -- Detroit, 9 p.m. Jul. 8 -- at Washington, 7 p.m. Jul. 10 -- at Orlando, 7:30 p.m. Jul. 12 -- Phoenix, 2 p.m. Jul 16 -- Houston, 9 p.m. Jul. 18 -- at New York, 4 p.m. Jul. 19 -- at Charlotte, 7:30 p.m. Jul. 21 -- at Detroit, 12 p.m. Jul. 24 -- at Cleveland, 7 p.m. Jul. 26 -- Washington, 9 p.m. Jul. 27 -- at Phoenix, 10 p.m. Jul. 30 -- at Los Angeles, 9 p.m. Jul. 31 -- Sacramento, 9 p.m. Aug. 3 -- New York, 9 p.m. Aug. 5 -- Los Angeles, 9 p.m. Aug. 7 -- Minnesota, 9 p.m. Aug. 9 -- Charlotte, 9 p.m. Aug. 11 -- at Minnesota, 8 p.m. Aug. 13 -- Phoenix, 9 p.m. Aug. 14 -- at Sacramento, 10 p.m. Aug. 16 -- at Houston, 8 p.m. Aug. 20 -- at Phoenix, 10 p.m. Aug. 21 -- Los Angeles, 9 p.m. Coach: Frank Layden (second season with Utah) Top returning players: F Wendy Palmer (13.5 ppg), C Margo Dydek (league-high 3.8 blocks per game), C Elena Baranova (9.3 rpg) Key newcomers: C Natalie Williams (ABL's Power), G Debbie Black (ABL's Xplosion) 1998 record and finish: 8-21, fourth in Western Arena: Delta Center Average home attendance: 8,104 Colors: Turquoise and purple