For the fourth time in franchise history, the Seattle Storm are in the WNBA Finals. For longtime fans, following the team has been different this season because of the pandemic.
Sharon Moe and Jan Bolerjack are both ministers in United Methodist churches in the greater Seattle area. They've also been watching Storm games together since 2003. Bolerjack said she enjoys the convenience of watching the games from home, but there are some things she misses.
"I gotta admit, I miss the crowd and then the noise and just watching everyone else get excited," Bolerjack said. "I miss the entry when the players onto the floor and we all go crazy, and when their names are announced, I love the affirmation that comes from the crowd for all of that."
The two have watched each of the Storm's previous appearences in the finals in 2004, 2010 and 2018. Both said they are confident the team will win its fourth championship title this season.
Bolerjack hopes fans can celebrate safely if the team wins. Moe thinks fans could take to the road.
"Drive-through honking and parade in our cars," Moe said.
Even though Moe and Bolerjack haven't been able to watch many games together this year, they still connect to chat about the highlights.
The Storm face the Las Vegas Aces in the best-of-five WNBA Finals, which begin Friday in Bradenton, Florida.