Broncos Blank Akron, 9-0

AKRON, Ohio - The battle of division leaders resulted in a 9-0 victory for Western Michigan over Akron on Saturday. Freshman designated player Lauren Fuller put WMU on top early and for good with a three-run bomb in the first inning. Krysten Shumaker recorded her third no-hitter of the season to go along with five strikeouts.

Fuller and Western Michigan (27-12, 14-3 MAC) jumped on the Zips (23-19, 12-5 MAC) in the first inning, leading off with a pair of doubles from Katie Niemi and Kristi Strange. Niemie scored on Strange's two-bagger with Amanda Heckaman due up next. Heckaman single to put Strange at third. Fuller stepped into the box and put three more runs on the board with a blast to left field.

The Broncos did not let up, scoring two more runs in the second to take a 6-0 lead. WMU loaded the bases with a Mandi Sayres single, Niemi reached on an error and Danielle Daughtry drew a one-out walk. All runners advanced on a wild pitch, scoring Sayres. Strange drove in her second run of the day with a sacrifice fly, plating Niemi.

Western Michigan brought another run across home plate in the third. Fuller led off the frame with a double and Nina Ojala, pinch running for Fuller, later scored on a Connie Kolokithas single.

The Brown & Gold were back at it in the fourth. Sayres recorded an infield single, Niemi was hit by a pitch and three batters later, Heckaman doubled to empty the bases and give the Broncos their nine-run advantage.

Akron had no answer for Shumaker (15-4) all day. The sophomore sat down the Zips in order in every inning except the first when the second batter reached on an error.

The two teams to go at it again on Sunday at Lee Jackson Field. First pitch is scheduled for 1 p.m.

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