KALAMAZOO, Mich. – The Western Michigan softball team opens Mid-American Conference play March 29-30 in Akron, Ohio with a three-game series at the University of Akron in Akron. Friday is a scheduled doubleheader starting at 1 p.m., followed by a Saturday contest at 1 p.m.

GAME INFORMATION
March 29-30 | Akron, Ohio | Lee R. Jackson Softball Field
Western Michigan Broncos (7-13, 0-0 MAC) at Akron Zips (6-16-2, 0-3 MAC)

Game One: Friday, March 29 | 1:00 p.m. | LIVE STATS | WATCH
Game Two: Friday, March 29 | 3:00 p.m. | LIVE STATS | WATCH
Game Three: Saturday, March 30 | 1:00 p.m. | LIVE STATS | WATCH

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER: @WMUSoftball

LAST TIME OUT
Western Michigan lost a non-conference game at the University of Notre Dame on Wednesday, March 27, falling by a score of 11-4. The Broncos took an early advantage in the first inning with a Sydney Stefanick homer over the left field fence, her sixth of the season. However, WMU saw its lead dissipate as the Irish answered with a pair of runs in the second inning along with a seven-run dagger in the fourth. Stefanick went 3-for-3 at the plate with three runs batted in despite suffering the loss in the pitcher's circle. 

ABOUT THE BRONCOS
After closing out its 13-game spring trip in Florida with three-straight wins, WMU has dropped a pair against tough opponents, falling to the No. 25-ranked University of Michigan and Notre Dame. The Broncos are paced by junior Mackenzie Swinehart and sophomore Sydney Stefanick. Swinehart leads the team with 23 hits and 14 runs scored, while Stefanick leads the team with a .369 batting average and 21 RBI (5th/RBI). Stefanick also paces the Bronco pitching staff with a 2.72 ERA in 61.2 innings pitched. 

SERIES HISTORY
Western Michigan owns a 37-21 series advantage over the Zips. Last season, WMU two two of three versus Akron to take the series, winning 9-2 and 5-2 before a 5-4 loss at Ebert Field. 

SCOUTING AKRON
The Zips are looking to break a nine-game losing skid, coming off a pair of losses at Youngstown State on Tuesday. Akron opened conference play at Ball State last weekend, dropping three games against the Cardinals. Redshirt sophomore Sydney Jascoe leads the team and ranks third in the MAC with a .397 batting average, compiling 19 RBI with six home runs and six doubles.