TOLEDO, Ohio. – The Western Michigan women's basketball team battled down to the wire at Toledo on Wednesday, Jan. 4, before the Rockets exited the conference play opener for both schools 71-53. 
 
Western Michigan was led offensively by redshirt sophomore Lauren Ross, the MAC's leading scorer, who boasted a game-high 28 points on 11-for-21 from the field, 4-8 from deep, and 2-for-2 from the free throw line. She also leads the MAC in points (235), points per game (21.4), free throws (67), and free throw attempts (80). Seen once before in 2009-10 by a Bronco, Ross' 28 point performance made 10 career games with 25 or more points in 42 total games. Redshirt junior Taylor Williams added 16 points, eight rebounds, and four blocks. Williams leads ranks third in the MAC for blocks (17), blocks per game (1.70), and fourth in rebounds per game (7.8).
 
The Broncos capped the evening shooting just over 38 percent (.383) from the floor, including connecting four three-pointers. WMU turned in a strong defensive effort limiting Toledo to a .519 shooting mark. The difference in the contest came beyond the arch where the Rockets were 7-for-19, while the Broncos were 4-for-20. 
 
The Broncos return to University Arena on Saturday, Jan. 7, to face Ball State University at 2 pm. To purchase tickets to any Western Michigan women's basketball game this season, visit wmubroncos.com/tickets.