KALAMAZOO, Mich.- The Western Michigan women's basketball team rolled to a 63-41 victory over visiting UMass Friday night in the Broncos' season-opener.

In his third season, Western Michigan head coach Shane Clipfell is now 3-0 in season openers. The last Bronco coach to win the opening game in three straight years was legendary Hall of Fame coach Fran Ebert (1978-80).

WMU got off to a slow start, trailing UMass by eight midway through the first half. A three-pointer by freshman post Teagan Reeves tied the game at 17-17 and the Broncos stepped up their defense to force nine turnovers in the final eight minutes of the first half.

The aggressive defense led to quick points and Western Michigan pulled away to build a 13-point advantage (34-21) headed into the half.

The Broncos forced the Minutewomen into 22 turnovers in the game, meanwhile WMU limited its turnovers to seven. Western Michigan only had one game with less than 10 turnovers all of last season.

The Broncos got big games from seniors Jazmine Windham and Michelle O'Brien. Windham registered 16 points, three rebounds, two assists and two steals. O'Brien tallied her eighth career double-double with 13 points and 13 rebounds. Last year O'Brien pulled down a career-high 17 rebounds against UMass.

Junior Jessica Jessing was the third player to score in double figures for Western Michigan, finishing with 10 points and four rebounds. Reeves had nine points and four boards.

Joining Reeves and also making their official collegiate debut were freshmen LaTondra Brooks, Aneisha Carlisle, Alexis Parks and Najee Smith. Brooks scored her first career points, totaling five.

The Broncos shot 36.2 percent for the game, while UMass shot 34.0 percent.

Western Michigan returns to University Arena next Wednesday, Nov. 19, as the team has the luxury of beginning the 2014-15 season with back-to-back home games. The Broncos host North Dakota State. Tip-off is at 7 p.m.