OXFORD, Ohio - The Western Michigan softball team, sparked by Kayla Houston's three-RBI double in the top of the third, claimed a 5-2 win at Miami and in the process captured its fourth regular season Mid-American Conference championship and first since the 2006 season.

"These kids made a major statement early in the season to make a mental change to our game.  I really believe the Missouri Tournament was our turning point.  Everyone got on board as a unit and you don't win championships unless you play as a unit," said head coach Kathy Leitke via telephone after the win.  The Broncos have claimed three of their four regular season titles under Leitke.

"We play well when we focus on our game and that was our approach this weekend.  The driving force the past few weeks as been to stay with fundamentals  You have to play the game right.  You can't give second chances on defense."

WMU scored the first five runs of the game against Miami's Jessica Simpson, one day removed from throwing the first no-hitter of her career.  Courtney Rousseau, who was the only Bronco to register two hits on the day (2-for-3), registered a one-out base hit to right field.  She scored when Houston reached on a fielding error by the shortstop.

The Broncos' big inning came in the third.  Meredith Whitney, who evened her record in the circle (12-12) with the victory, led off the third with an infield single.  Lexi Jager followed with a base hit to the pitcher.  Tara Buchanan reached on a fielder's choice when the Red Hawk defense opted to throw out the lead runner, Whitney, at third base.  Gracie Barstad registered a hit to advance Jager and Buchanan to second and third, respectively.

Courtney Burnett pinch ran for Buchanan and scored on Rousseau's base hit through the left side.  Houston did her homework on Simpson, knowing she threw first pitch fast balls.  She saw what she liked and doubled to left field, clearing the bases.

"It felt good to hit the way we did today," commented Houston.  We couldn't spark anything against her in the 2009 title game and getting hits off her today gave us confidence throughout the game."

Miami's only runs came off the bat of Daniella Torres who hit a two-run home run in the bottom of the third.  Whitney was nearly untouchable the rest of the way, allowing a triple in the third and then not another hit until the bottom of the seventh, while striking out eight Red Hawks.

"We will enjoy this for about an hour and then get ready for tomorrow.  This is our first goal but not our last goal.  We know Miami is in the tournament and any team can win this tournament.  We want to continue this climb, this is not the top of the mountain for us," added Leitke.

The Broncos have now registered at least 20 wins in a season for the ninth time under Leitke and the 27th time in program history.  They will close out the regular season against Miami on Sunday at 1 p.m.