The Wisconsin women's basketball team found itself in an odd position Sunday: trailing for most of the game.
At one point, the Badgers were down by as many as 15 points against Cleveland State. However, the team remained poised and tough as they battled back down the stretch, taking the lead with under two minutes to play, and securing a 70-68 victory.
""I give our team a lot of credit,"" UW head coach Lisa Stone said. ""We're growing up quickly.""
The team hopes to carry over that impressive victory as they take on in-state rival University of Wisconsin-Green Bay Tuesday night at the Kohl Center. Last season, Wisconsin handed the Phoenix their first loss of the year with a 59-47 victory in Green Bay.
In 2008, Wisconsin swept all three in-state rivals, claiming the unofficial title as the best team in the Wisconsin. Having already taken care of the University of Wisconsin- Milwaukee, the Badgers now turn their attention to Green Bay.
""Being the big university in the state, we put a lot of pressure on ourselves to sweep the state,"" junior guard Alyssa Karel said. ""They're going to bring their best at us too, so we can't take any of these games lightly.""
Despite returning just one starter from last season, the Phoenix are already off to a 3-0 start and are the pre-season favorites to claim the Horizon League Title.
And why not—the Green Bay women's basketball team has won that league the last ten years in a row. In addition, the Phoenix have compiled a stunning 32 straight winning seasons, the third longest streak in the NCAA.
""They've dominated their league since its existed,"" Stone said.
Green Bay's average margin of victory so far this season is 14, winning each of its first three games by at least 10 points. Additionally, four Phoenix players are averaging double-figure point totals on the season.
However, the Badgers can also claim four players averaging over ten points per match. Karel currently leads the team with 11.7 points per contest. Following closely behind her is junior forward Tara Steinbauer, who is not only averaging 11 points per game, but also 7.7 rebounds on the season.
In addition to the upper-class strength of the Badgers, the strong sophomore and freshman classes have played a big role off the bench. One player in particular who has performed exceptionally well so far for Wisconsin is freshman guard Taylor Wurtz.
In just her first three collegiate games, Wurtz has averaged 8.7 points and four rebounds per game. Wurtz has also scored in double figures the last two games, and sunk the game-winning basket in the team's win against Cleveland State. However, this performance is one that was certainly expected by coach Stone.
""I'm not at all surprised with Taylor,"" Stone said. ""She's a player that wants to get better. The sky's the limit and she's nowhere near where she's going to be.""
