Green Bay Phoenix softball drops two on opening day

The Phoenix fell to Drake 8-7 and DePaul 7-3 in their season-opening doubleheader

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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The Green Bay Phoenix softball team opened its season with a pair of losses on Friday, falling to Drake 8-7 and DePaul 7-3 in the DePaul Dome Tournament in Rosemont, Illinois. In the first game, the Phoenix led 7-4 in the seventh inning but couldn't hold on as Drake scored four runs to win 8-7. In the second game, Green Bay jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the first inning but DePaul scored seven unanswered runs to secure the victory.

Why it matters

The losses to start the season are a disappointing beginning for the Green Bay Phoenix, who are the defending co-champions of the Horizon League. The team will look to bounce back and find their footing as the season progresses.

The details

In the first game against Drake, the Phoenix were led by sophomore Brooke Schwall, who hit a three-run home run in the first inning. Senior catcher Aidyn Messman and sophomore Sara Ebner also had strong offensive performances. However, the Phoenix bullpen couldn't hold the lead in the seventh inning, allowing Drake to score four runs and win 8-7. In the second game, Green Bay jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the first inning but DePaul scored seven unanswered runs to secure the 7-3 victory. Junior Paeton Kringel pitched well in relief for the Phoenix, allowing just one run over three innings.

  • The games were played on Friday, February 7, 2026.

The players

Brooke Schwall

A sophomore on the Green Bay Phoenix softball team who hit a three-run home run in the first game.

Aidyn Messman

The senior catcher for the Green Bay Phoenix who had a strong offensive performance in the first game.

Sara Ebner

A sophomore on the Green Bay Phoenix softball team who had an RBI double in the first game.

Paeton Kringel

A junior pitcher for the Green Bay Phoenix who pitched well in relief in the second game, allowing just one run over three innings.

Lydia Ettema

A junior on the DePaul Blue Demons softball team who went 2-for-3 with a home run and three RBIs in the second game.

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The takeaway

The Green Bay Phoenix softball team has work to do after dropping both games on opening day. The team will need to regroup and find a way to close out games if they hope to defend their Horizon League co-championship this season.