Los Angeles, CA -- (Sports Network) - Candace Parker had 19 points and nine rebounds to lead the Sparks over the Monarchs, 78-63, in the first night of action after the United States women's basketball team captured a gold medal in the Beijing Olympics.

Lisa Leslie contributed 14 points and six rebounds in the victory, while Delisha Milton had 11 points and eight rebounds for Los Angeles.

In defeat, Nicole Powell led Sacramento in scoring with 12 points to go along with five rebounds. Kara Lawson had 10 points while Ticha Penicheiro dished out a game-high seven assists.

With the two teams tied at 15-12 prior to the game and fighting for playoff positions, the Sparks moved into sole possession of third place in the Western Conference with the win, their third in five games. Sacramento now falls just percentage points behind Houston for the fourth and final spot with its second straight loss.