Green Bay Phoenix roll past Ripon

The Phoenix (8-5, 1-0 HL) had five players score in double figures, led by Natalie McNeal’s 15 points in 19 minutes played. Jasmine Kondrakiewicz recorded her third double-double of the season (seventh of her career) with 14 points and 13 rebounds, while Jenna Guyer, Cassie Schiltz, and Callie Genke each had 10 points.

The contest counted as an exhibition for Ripon as the Red Hawks trotted out 18 different players. Ella Ten Pas and McKenzie Bestor each had 10 points for Ripon.

GB had a huge first quarter, jumping out to a 23-7 lead after the opening 10 minutes. The Phoenix was hot from the field, shooting 10-of-18 overall despite going 0-for-4 from beyond the arc. McNeal and Schiltz combined to score on four consecutive possessions to help propel the Green and White to a fast start. Ripon’s offense found some rhythm in the second frame but Green Bay kept pace, getting a layup from Sophie Lahti – her first career points – with 1:35 to go before halftime, extending the lead to 41-17. Ellie Buzzelle nearly had a buzzer-beating three-pointer to end the half, but GB still led comfortably at 42-23 going into the locker room.

The Phoenix had a big third quarter, nearly identical to the first stanza. Guyer found space in the paint and knocked down a mid-range jumper with 4:21 remaining in the third period, extending the lead to 31 at 55-24. Green Bay led by no less than 30 points for the final 11:52 of the contest, earning a 75-42 victory.

GAME NOTES
» The Phoenix held the Redhawks to only 28 percent shooting from the field.
» GB forced 20 Ripon turnovers while committing only eight on offense.
» Green Bay had a 40-34 edge on the boards in the win.

COMING UP
Green Bay has a quick turnaround before facing Parkside on Saturday at 1 PM.