KALAMAZOO, Mich. - The Shane Clipfell era began in fine fashion as the Broncos outlasted American University, 57-53, to open the 2012-13 season.

Clipfell becomes the first Western Michigan women's basketball head coach to win his first game on the bench since Jim Hess accomplished the feat in 1982.

The Broncos were sparked by Jessica Jessing, playing in her first collegiate game.  She was a perfect 3-for-3 from the floor, coming off the bench in the first half.  She helped turn a 21-24 deficit into a 29-24 halftime lead.  She finished with a team high 13 points.

Trailing by three with 1:22 to go in the half, Corie Buchanan, who also had 13 points for the Broncos, made a lay up to cut the deficit to one point.  Jessing hit a three-pointer from the corner to give WMU the lead, 26-24.  She would make a lay up and make good on a free throw to close out the half on a 8-0 run for WMU.

The Broncos extended its lead to a game high 12 points at the 12:50 mark of the second half on another Jessing three-pointer.  They regained a 10-point advantage on Buchanan's jumper at the 8:22 mark.

American went on a 14-4 run over the next six minutes to tie the game at 53-all, but WMU would not be denied.  Buchanan gave the Broncos the lead back on a lay up and then extended on a pair of free throws.  The Broncos' defense secured the win, coming up with a pair of steals in the final 10 seconds.

Western Michigan outscored American, 32-16, in the paint and forced 24 turnovers.  The Bronco bench outworked the Eagles, scoring 27-15 in the game.

WMU next plays Milwaukee on the road at 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 14.