The Lynx on Wednesday announced the signing of Plenette Pierson, a veteran forward/center who figures to help the team in a number of ways. Most notably, perhaps, is Pierson's toughness factor. It's a badge that the 6-2 Pierson has earned — and from which she doesn't seem to hide.

While playing with Detroit in 2008, Pierson played a key role in an ugly fight against the Los Angeles Sparks. Near the end of a contentious game, with tempers already having reached a simmer, they boiled over during an aggressive box out at the free throw line. The player Pierson tangled with and knocked over? None other than Sparks star Candace Parker, a rookie at the time.

Pierson's Twitter handle, if anything can be learned from such things, is @DaEnforcer33 and her bio reads: "Those who don't know me …. HATE me, Those who know me …. LOVE me …"

Read Michael Rand's blog at startribune.com/randball. michael.rand@startribune.com.