BROOKINGS, S.D. --The Green Bay women's basketball team traveled to South Dakota State for their 2021-22 season opener, fell to the Jackrabbits, 70-49.

The Phoenix (0-1) had two players score in double figures, led by Meghan Pingel, who had 14 points. Cassie Schiltz added 11 points and Maddy Schreiber contributed six points.

HOW IT HAPPENED

Green Bay struggled out of the gate, falling behind 18-6 at the end of the first quarter.

The Phoenix continued to lose ground in the second quarter, facing a 35-12 halftime deficit.

South Dakota State continued to increase its lead after halftime, building a 50-22 advantage before Green Bay went on a 6-0 run, punctuated by a three from Bailey Butler, to trim its deficit to 50-28 with 3:05 to go in the third. South Dakota State countered and stretched its lead to 58-30 heading into the fourth. Green Bay knocked down three three-pointers in the quarter to score nine of its 18 total points.

South Dakota State kept widening its lead in the fourth, constructing a 69-38 advantage before Green Bay went on a 9-0 run, finished off by Schiltz's three, to shrink the deficit to 69-47 with 43 seconds to go in the contest. The Phoenix kept their comeback going, but South Dakota State managed to hold on for the 70-49 win. Green Bay took advantage of its opportunities in the post, scoring 16 of its 19 points in the paint in the frame.

GAME NOTES
» The Green Bay defense forced 15 turnovers, and scored 16 points from them.
» Pingel's 14 points are a career-high.
» Green Bay got a team-high six rebounds from Hailey Oskey.
» The Phoenix lost the battle of the boards 37-25.
» Green Bay got 16 points from its bench.

UP NEXT
The Phoenix will return home Saturday for their home opener at the Kress Center against North Dakota State. Tip-off is slated for 1 p.m.

###
 
For the latest and most up-to-date information on Green Bay Athletics and Green Bay Women's Basketball, please visit GreenBayPhoenix.com.
 
Follow us on Twitter: @GBPhoenix
 
Like Green Bay Phoenix Athletics on Facebook.