GREEN BAY, Wis. – The 2024 home opener didn't go to plan for the Green Bay volleyball team, but the Phoenix battled in a hard-fought loss to No. 17 Minnesota at the Kress Center Thursday night (16-25, 21-25, 20-25).
 
Katie Schulz finished with eight kills on the day to lead the Phoenix offense while Cora Behnke had seven of her own. GB got 14 digs from Abby Gardner to lead them defensively and 19 assists from Calli Gentry.
 
Julia Hanson led the Golden Gophers with 11 kills in the match.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
SET 1 | Minnesota came out to play in the first, jumping out in front 9-2 early. That seven-point lead held for most of the set as the visitors took the first set by a score of 25-16. The Gophers offense outpaced the Phoenix in the first, hitting .364 compared to Green Bay's .024.
 
SET 2 | The second set was back and forth the entire way, with Minnesota taking a set that featured five lead changes and 11 ties. After an 18-all tie, the Phoenix was slightly outscored down the stretch, 7-3.
 
SET 3 | Green Bay couldn't prolong the match and fell in the third set 25-20. Minnesota grabbed the advantage for good at 18-17 before closing the set once again on a 7-3 run.
 
GAME NOTES
» Kendall Schara had a team-high two aces in the loss.
» Ellie Kurpeikis led the Phoenix with four blocks on the night.
» Minnesota outhit Green Bay .194 to .000.
 
UP NEXT
Green Bay will be back for day two of the Capital Credit Union Classic facing off against St. Thomas tomorrow at 7 p.m. CT. The Phoenix will then close out the tournament with North Dakota on Saturday at 2 p.m. CT.
 
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