WMU News

Hockey and volleyball teams defeat conference leaders

October 27, 1998

KALAMAZOO -- Three second-half field goals gave Central Michigan a 26-24 football victory over WMU at Mt. Pleasant on Saturday, Oct. 24, but the afternoon disappointment was offset by huge wins in hockey and volleyball Saturday night.

Football -- WMU loses 26-24 at CMU

Going into Saturday's contest at CMU, the football Broncos had not won in Mt. Pleasant since 1973. They still have not. WMU scored first, led 10-7 after one quarter, and led 24-17 at the half. Three second-half field goals, the final one with just 1:42 remaining in the contest, gave CMU a 26-24 win.

It was an all-to-familiar scenario for Western fans. The Broncos dominated the first half, but CMU controlled the second half. Central Michigan gained 255 yards in total offense after the intermission, nearly equaling Western's 256 yards in total offense for the game.

With the loss, WMU falls to 4-4 overall, 2-3 in the Mid-American Conference. MAC West Division rival Central Michigan improved to 3-1 in the conference. West Division leader Toledo (4-1 MAC) also won this weekend.

Volleyball -- Broncos defeat previously unbeaten Miami

Going into Saturday night's contest in Kalamazoo, Miami (Ohio) was undefeated, 9-0, against Mid-American Conference opponents. The pre-season pick to win the MAC, Miami was 17-4 overall.

WMU rallied twice, from 1-0 and 2-1 game deficits, to extend the match to five games, and then improved its record in five-game matches this season to 5-1. The Broncos defeated Miami 11-15, 15-11, 10-15, 15-12, 15-10.

Stefanie Rotunno and Mandy Whitfield led the Broncos with 22 kills each, but it was the Broncos' advantage in blocks that keyed the victory. WMU out-blocked Miami, 20-7, led by Andrea Cole with 11.

This was the second weekend in a row that the Broncos won after dropping game one in a match, something they had not done in 32 previous matches. WMU is now 15-8 overall and 7-4 in the MAC. The Broncos also improved their home record to 11-3 overall and 4-1 against MAC opponents.

Hockey -- WMU defeats nationally-ranked Notre Dame

The Broncos earned their first victory of the young season with a thrilling 2-1 win over previously unbeaten Notre Dame, Saturday, Oct. 24, in Kalamazoo. Going into the contest, the Irish were ranked No. 7 in the nation.

Western was out-shot, 28-21, for the evening, but goalie Matt Barnes turned in a great effort with 27 saves. WMU scored first on a first-period goal by senior Chuck Mindel, but Notre Dame responded immediately to knot the contest, 1-1, at the end of one period. The game-winning goal was scored by sophomore Steve Rymsha at 3:14 into the final period.

With the win, WMU is 1-2-1 overall and in the CCHA. After a very poor 0-2 start on the season, the Broncos have tied nationally ranked Michigan State in East Lansing and defeated nationally ranked Notre Dame.


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