GREEN BAY — Black Hawk graduate Bailey Butler and the UW-Green Bay women’s basketball team defeated Youngstown State 94-57 in a Horizon League quarterfinal game on Thursday, March 7, eliminating the Penguins from the post-season conference tournament. With the win, the Phoenix traveled to Indianapolis for the third straight season.
Youngstown took a 3-2 lead with a bucket beyond the arc from Haley Thierry. The Penguin advantage held for just 25 seconds before Butler sparked a 17-0 run with her own 3-pointer. During the rally, which occurred over five minutes, the Phoenix shot 8-for-10 from the field and 2-for-2 from the line. Butler was responsible for five of those points and assisted in another two.
Green Bay amassed a 20-point lead with 35 seconds left in the first quarter on another 3-pointer from Butler. Penguin Emily Saunders ended the frame at the line, making it a 27-8 game after the first 10 minutes.
UWGB doubled up Youngstown 26-13 in the second quarter, reaching a 30-point lead at 5:41.
Although the Penguins had their highest offensive output in the third frame, the Phoenix still outscored them 20-19. The fourth period was much the same, with Green Bay edging out Youngstown 21-17.
Butler finished with 10 points, going 2-for-3 from beyond the arc with a pair of free throws. She grabbed two boards and tallied five assists. She was one of five Phoenix players to finish in double figures — Cassie Schiltz (16 points), Maddy Schreiber (15), Maren Westin (13) and Callie Genke (11).
Outside of shooting nearly 60% from the field and 46% from 3-point range, Green Bay’s bench put on a show. The substitutes scored 41 points, led by Westin and Genke. Natalie Andersen and Jenna Guyer combined for another 13 points. In fact, all 11 players got minutes on the court.
HORIZON LEAGUE SEMIFINAL:
UW-GREEN BAY 64, PURDUE FORT WAYNE 55
INDIANAPOLIS — Despite a 9-point first quarter, Green Bay rebounded for a semifinal win over Purdue Fort Wayne on Monday, March 11. With the victory, the Phoenix earned a spot in the Horizon League championship against top-seeded Cleveland State. The Vikings previously defeated the Phoenix 86-63 on Feb. 3.
In Monday’s contest, Genke led with 16 points and three 3s. Schreiber also finished in double figures with 13 points. Butler, who scored 8 points, led the team with 10 assists.
