The women’s basketball team at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay has recently demonstrated their formidable prowess by securing a 59-48 victory over the 23rd ranked Washington State at the Cancun Challenge in Mexico. This impressive win marks the second occasion in four games that the Phoenix have successfully defeated a team ranked in The Associated Press Top 25. Only nine days prior, the team achieved a 12-point upset over the 22nd ranked Creighton.
This season, UWGB has achieved victories against two ranked opponents for the first time since the 2017-18 campaign, when they triumphed over No. 24 Arizona State and No. 23 Marquette. Their current 4-2 record positions them favorably for their Horizon League opener at UW-Milwaukee on Thursday, where they anticipate continued success.
Following their recent accomplishments, UWGB received six votes in this week’s AP Top 25, signifying that the team is beginning to garner national recognition for their exceptional performance. With two significant victories under their belt, questions have arisen regarding whether the Phoenix merit a place in the Top 25.
Head coach Kevin Borseth has expressed confidence in the team’s abilities, stating, “We are not bad, we are a pretty good team. I think we demonstrated that. We are a pretty good squad on any given night, but then again, you have to be consistent night in and night out.” Despite early setbacks, Borseth remains hopeful about the team’s prospects of securing a spot in the rankings if they continue to perform well.
Looking ahead, UWGB faces a challenging matchup against in-state rival UW-Milwaukee, who is currently on a four-game winning streak. The Phoenix must also address their recent struggles at the Klotsche Center and break their three-game losing streak at the venue since 2020.
UW-Milwaukee, led by junior guard Kendall Nead and former Hortonville standout Kamy Peppler, presents a formidable challenge for UWGB. Borseth acknowledges the strength of their opponents, emphasizing the need for the Phoenix to continue building on their current successes and remain focused.
One standout player for UWGB this season has been junior guard Callie Genke, who has provided a significant offensive boost off the bench. Genke’s impressive performance, averaging 10.8 points in 21 minutes, has been instrumental in UWGB’s victories, showcasing her strength as a well-rounded player.
Despite the challenges, UWGB’s success is evident in their ability to secure wins away from home, boasting a 2-1 record on neutral courts and a 1-1 record in road games. With upcoming matchups, including a game against DePaul on December 5, the team looks forward to an extended homestand.
As the Phoenix continue their journey through the season, their unwavering determination and promising talent have captured the attention of basketball enthusiasts. With a fervent desire to build on their recent successes, UWGB remains a team to watch as they strive for further triumphs in the forthcoming games.