ANN ARBOR, Mich. - Western Michigan softball faced its fourth nationally ranked team of the season on Tuesday evening, falling, 8-0, to No. 12 Michigan at Alumni Field.

The Broncos suffered through a treacherous first inning as the Wolverines racked up eight runs on seven hits and four walks, but that output was all that Michigan would get.

Mackenzie Shepeck came into the game with two outs and runners on first and second.  She gave up one hit to load the bases but punched out the last batter to end the inning.  It would be one of only five total hits Shepeck would give up during her 3.1 innings of work as Michigan was held scoreless the rest of the way.

Western Michigan had its chances to climb back into the game, stranding the bases loaded in the second and three more over the next three innings but the Broncos could not scratch out a run to extend the game past five innings.

The Broncos collected three hits on the day.  Caity Pixley recorded her fourth double of the season, while Diana Patterson extended her hitting streak to two games.  Christina Pigozzi, who started the game behind the plate and finished at shortstop, also recorded her 20th hit of the season.

Four Wolverines had multi-hit days led by Caitlin Blanchard's 3-for-3 performance with three RBIs.  Amy Knapp had two of the Wolverines' three extra base hits on the day with a double and a triple.

Western Michigan will dust itself off and take the field in less than 24 hours, taking on Michigan State at Secchia Stadium at 4 p.m. on Wednesday.