STINGRAYS STUNG AS ABL PULLS PLUG; LONG BEACH PLAYERS WILL GO TO OTHER CLUBS.

Byline: Associated Press 

The Long Beach StingRays, who came within one victory of the American Basketball League championship in their only year of existence, were shut down by the league Wednesday.

``We're doing what every responsible corporation in America does - look for ways to improve the bottom line,'' ABL chief operating officer and co-founder Gary Cavalli said in a press release. ``This decision to close the doors in Long Beach is part of our ongoing effort to streamline operations, reduce expenses and improve profitability.''

Long Beach was added as an expansion team last year and went 26-18 during the season before beating Colorado and Portland in the playoffs to advance to the league finals. The StingRays led 2-0 before the Columbus Quest won three straight games at home to win the best-of-five series.

``I've had more calls from the media today since the day we started,'' Linda Reid, the team's media-relations director, said.

Reid was asked if she was angry or disappointed over the folding.

``I think both, to be totally honest with you,'' she said. ``I'm really disappointed. I'm really angry, too. We weren't given all the tools to succeed. We really felt like we were on the upswing this year. We had a great team, too. We had one of the top two or three women's teams ever assembled. To not have an opportunity to play devastates our players, coaches and staff.