Get ready, basketball fans! The Western Michigan University (WMU) women's basketball team is about to tip off its home stand, and the excitement is building!
Let's rewind: The Broncos are riding high after a solid 58-45 victory over the Loyola Ramblers, securing their second win of the season. Sophomore guard Alli Harness had a breakout performance, leading the team with a career-high 13 points. For the fifth consecutive game, sophomore Kailey Starks hit double digits, contributing 10 points. On the defensive end, redshirt senior De'Ahna Richardson matched her career-high with 9 rebounds.
Bench Boost: The WMU bench was a key factor in their win against Loyola. They outscored the Ramblers, with nearly 30% of their points coming from non-starters.
Chicago Career Games: Harness shone brightly in Chicago, achieving multiple career-best stats. She not only scored a personal best but also set new highs in field goals made (5) and three-pointers made (3). Freshman Olivia Flynn made her first collegiate basket with a three-pointer, and senior Mary Clare Brusek scored her first point of the season.
Series History: This upcoming game marks the 17th meeting between WMU and Valparaiso. WMU holds an 11-5 lead in the series, but Valparaiso won their last matchup in 2024. At University Arena, the Broncos have a strong 5-1 record, with another win at Lawson Arena in 1993.
Looking Back: In their last encounter, WMU fell to Valpo (67-54). Marina Asensio led WMU with 14 points, while Alli Carlson and Alli Harness combined for 22 points. Evyn Carrier grabbed a career-high 9 rebounds.
Scouting the Beacons: Valparaiso, under new Head Coach Courtney Boyd, is still seeking its first win of the season after dropping their first 10 games. In their recent game against SIUE Cougars, freshman Alliavon Schlegell scored a career-high 18 points, but Valpo lost (76-69). Senior guard Fiona Connolly is Valparaiso's leading scorer, averaging 12.5 points and 4.6 rebounds. Redshirt junior Kamryn Winch leads the team in rebounds, averaging 6.0 boards in just 15.1 minutes per game.
Players to Watch:
- Alli Carlson: Junior, Guard, 5'6"
- Evyn Carrier: Redshirt Freshman, Center, 6'4"
- De'Ahna Richardson: Redshirt Junior, Forward, 6'1"
- Alli Harness: Freshman, Guard, 5'6"
- Marina Asensio: Junior, Guard, 5'8"
- Olivia Flynn: Freshman, Guard, 5'9"
- Kailey Starks: Sophomore, Guard, 5'7"
- Mary Clare Brusek: Senior, Forward, 6'0"
What are your thoughts on WMU's chances this season? Do you think the team can build on their recent win? Share your predictions in the comments below!
