The Milwaukee women’s basketball team faced a challenging season opener against St. Thomas, ultimately falling 84-81 in overtime at Schoenecker Arena. Despite four starters reaching double figures, the Panthers could not secure the win.
Kacee Baumhower made an impressive debut for Milwaukee, scoring a career-high 26 points. Anna Lutz contributed with a double-double of 15 points and 11 rebounds. Kamy Peppler added 14 points, including three three-pointers, while Payton Rechlicz scored 13 in her first collegiate game.
The Panthers initially trailed by nine points in the first quarter but managed to take a narrow lead late in the third quarter. A strong run in the fourth quarter gave them a seven-point advantage, but St. Thomas rallied to tie the game at 67, forcing overtime.
Head coach Kyle Rechlicz commented on the team’s performance: “I thought we showed a lot of tenacity and battled throughout the game to overcome a nine-point deficit and turn it into a seven-point lead.”
In overtime, Milwaukee took several three-point leads but couldn’t maintain them as St. Thomas closed out with a decisive run to win the game.
Rechlicz highlighted areas for improvement: “We did a lot of the little things right…the only area of improvement is that we have to take better care of the basketball down the stretch.”
Milwaukee shot 41.8 percent from the field but struggled from beyond the arc, making only four of their 18 attempts. In contrast, St. Thomas shot 44.1 percent overall and converted six of their three-point attempts.
Jade Hill led St. Thomas with an impressive 35 points on efficient shooting. Jo Langbehn added 17 points, while Sammy Opichka recorded a double-double with 12 points and 13 rebounds.
Coach Rechlicz acknowledged St. Thomas’s efforts: “You never want to start the season off with a loss, but give credit to St. Thomas.”
Baumhower also contributed seven rebounds and three assists for Milwaukee, while Peppler led with five assists and tied for team-high steals alongside Baumhower.
The Panthers will quickly return home to face Carroll Pioneers at Klotsche Center on Wednesday evening at 6:00 p.m., with coverage available on ESPN+ and audio streaming services.
