KALAMAZOO, Mich. – The Western Michigan women's soccer team won its third-straight match and extended its shutout streak to 284 minutes after defeating Valparaiso 1-0 at the WMU Soccer Complex on Friday evening.

The Broncos picked up a goal from Tiffany Buckler in the 40th minute and locked down the Crusaders to secure their fourth shutout-win of the season. WMU outshot VALPO 17-8 overall and had a 9-3 advantage in shots on goal. Western Michigan senior goalkeeper Stephanie Heber made three saves to earn her fourth clean sheet.

"We have a really strong back line. Obviously Stephanie is a great goalkeeper for us," said head coach Lauren Sinacola.  "I think we do a good job trying to minimize the shots against us with defending and then Steph is always there if they get through. There's really great chemistry on our back line."

WMU dominated possession and chances in the first half, outshooting the Crusaders 13-1. The breakthrough came when Buckler created a turnover and let one go from just beyond the top of the box and into the lower-left corner of the net for her second goal of the season and second game-winning goal.

"The goal that Tiff scored was beautiful," Sinacola added. "She turned them over, drove herself, picked her head up and hit it. That's one of her strengths, she can hit long-range shots. She's been able to flip games for us and really pick things up when we need her to. She's a really good leader in that way."

Valparaiso made a charge in the second half after the Broncos, according to Sincaola, came out flat. VALPO outshot Western Michigan 7-4 overall and all three of Heber's saves came in the final half. WMU withstood the pressure to wrap up non-conference play with a win.

The Broncos open up Mid-American Conference play next Friday at Buffalo for a 7:00 p.m. kickoff before heading to Akron on Sunday for a 3:00 p.m. start.