Phoenix regrouping from first loss

GREEN BAY - The Phoenix women’s basketball team suffered a shocking 70-58 loss to Detroit Thursday night at the Kress Center, but the team is taking everything in stride.

"We know this doesn't define our season. It's not the end of our season," said senior guard Hannah Quilling after the game.

The loss broke a 40 game regular season winning streak, a 36 game conference regular season mark, and a 27 game home win streak. The team isn't buying into the idea that losing will remove any pressure.

Head Coach Matt Bollant thinks the 2011-2012 edition of the Phoenix was well equipped to handle the exposure that comes with an undefeated season.

"I think this team is mature enough to handle that. I think the team 2 years ago wasn't as mature and that probably caused some problems but it's hard to know what causes that."

The Phoenix missed the mark from long range, shooting just 12 of 38 from beyond the arc, a problem they saw coming, and one that has to be corrected going forward.

"We know one of our big things is that when they're packing it in that it's easy for us to shoot the threes and on another night we knock those down, said Quilling who was 3 of 10 from long range."

During his post game press conference, Bollant made it clear that his team’s pension for shooting threes must stop.

"We've been after them for the last three weeks to stop being a three point shooting team and relying on that because as soon as you don't make them you're in trouble. We've been after them to get the ball inside, drive the basketball and get to the free throw line."

Green Baywas without starting guard Sarah Eichler, who was mentioned several times in the post game as their best on ball defender, but handling hardships could reveal the team’s true identity.

"We have areas to grow. Being able to play deeper on the bench will help us in the long run said Quilling."

Bollant also stressed the chance to grow from the experience.

"You've got a chance every game to grow and move on. I think losing sometimes helps knock you in the head and a little bit quicker and sometimes you learn a little bit easier after a loss."