The Green Bay Phoenix women's basketball team opened its 2026-27 season with a 76-60 loss to No. 4 Duke on Tuesday night, but not before giving one of the nation's top programs an early challenge on the road. 

 

Despite a roster that looks significantly different from a season ago, the Phoenix showed promise in their first game, taking an 18-16 lead over the fourth-ranked Blue Devils after the opening quarter at Cameron Indoor Stadium.

 

Green Bay came out strong, using a 6-0 run midway through the first quarter to take a 14-10 advantage. Kristina Ouimette knocked down a three-pointer in the final 30 seconds to give the Phoenix a two-point lead heading into the second.

 

The Phoenix continued their momentum early in the second quarter, extending their lead to 25-19 following a three-pointer from Maren Westin.

 

Duke responded before halftime, taking a narrow 33-31 lead into the break.

 

The Blue Devils began to pull away in the third quarter, outscoring Green Bay 27-18 to build a 60-49 advantage heading into the fourth.

 

However, the Phoenix continued to battle. A layup from Maddy Skorupski brought Green Bay within seven points, 60-53, with 7:40 remaining before Duke closed out the 76-60 victory.

 

Skorupski led Green Bay with 16 points, six rebounds and four steals, going a perfect 8-for-8 from the free-throw line. Ouimette added 14 points, while Elisa Mevius contributed five points, eight rebounds, four assists and three steals.

 

The matchup also marked the first action for Ady Ketterhagen as the Phoenix began a new season with several different faces on the roster.

 

Duke was led by Riley Nelson and Arianna Roberson, who each scored 15 points. The Blue Devils outrebounded Green Bay 44-31 and shot 45.3% from the field compared to the Phoenix's 32.8%.

 

Despite the loss, Green Bay forced 17 turnovers and scored 14 points off those opportunities.

 

For a Phoenix team adjusting to a new-look roster, holding a first-quarter lead and remaining competitive into the fourth against the nation's fourth-ranked team provided an encouraging start to the season.

Green Bay will look for its first win Saturday, Nov. 7, when the Phoenix host Loyola Chicago at 6 p.m. at the Kress Center.

 

The home opener will also feature the team's 2026 NCAA Banner Unveiling and Ring Ceremony, with fans encouraged to be in their seats by 5:40 p.m. for the celebration.