KALAMAZOO, Mich. – The Western Michigan volleyball team had four different players record nine or more kills as it opened the 2023 season with a 3-1 victory (25-15, 21-25, 25-20, 25-12) over Milwaukee on Friday evening at University Arena.
 
FINAL SCORE: Western Michigan 3, Milwaukee 1
LOCATION: University Arena (Kalamazoo, Mich.)
RECORDS: Western Michigan (1-0) | Milwaukee (0-1)
 
The trio of Anna Calcagno (14), Julia Marr (12) and Mary Clare Brusek (11) all notched double-digit kills for Western Michigan, while Keona Salesman pitched in with nine. Brusek's 11 kills established a new career high for the sophomore.
 
Calcagno also contributed 10 digs for her first double-double as a Bronco. She and Reeghan Boyer each tied their career high with three service aces for the evening, accounting for six of WMU's seven aces.
 
Andelyn Simkins posted a match-high 18 digs for Western Michigan. She has recorded double-digit digs in 21 consecutive matches going back to last season. Logan Case handed out a match-high 47 assists and pitched in six digs for the Brown & Gold.
 
Western Michigan got out to a strong start, picking up six of the evening's first eight points. With their advantage at 7-4, the Broncos put together a 9-2 surge which stretched their advantage out to 16-6. WMU maintained a lead of no fewer than seven for the remainder of the frame on its way to a 1-0 start in the contest.  
 
With the second set even at 8-8, Milwaukee reeled off an 8-2 run to open up a 16-10 lead. Western Michigan got to within four multiple times and fought off three consecutive set points before the Panthers put it away to even the contest at 1-1.
 
In the third frame, the Broncos took charge and grabbed a 10-4 advantage. A 4-1 run by the Panthers closed the gap to three, 18-15. The visitors got to within two at 22-20, but WMU notched the next three points, with Brusek hammering home the set-clinching kill.
 
The fourth set was WMU's from the start as well, with an early 7-1 run helping the Broncos get out to an 11-4 lead. At 14-8, Western Michigan reeled off five consecutive points to boost its advantage to 19-8. Another five-point run put the Broncos on the brink of victory, with the hosts sealing the win a few points later.
 
Western Michigan continues Opening Weekend on Saturday evening as it takes on Northern Iowa. First serve is slated for 6 pm at University Arena.