Pauline Astier among those surprised by her speedy Liberty evolution

CHICAGO — When Pauline Astier arrived in New York for training camp, nearly everything about the experience was new.

A new country, a new league, new teammates and, perhaps the most daunting of all, a locker room filled with stars who had already won together at the highest level.

She knew there would be an adjustment period.

What she didn’t expect, though, was how quickly the Liberty would come to rely on her.