KALAMAZOO, Mich. -- The Western Michigan women's soccer team used a Bria Telemaque first half goal and some great defense to defeat Butler, 1-0, on Sunday afternoon at the WMU Soccer Complex. The win pushes the Broncos to a 3-0 overall record, which marks the first time the team has opened the year with three straight wins since 2014. 

"I thought it was an excellent performance from our ladies today, and they really showed that we can hang with a high-quality opponent," head coach Lewis Robinson said. "We were very happy in defending on our terms and created some good chances going forward. The support and amazing gameday environment at the farm was a huge help when the game got difficult!"

FIRST HALF
The Broncos were impressive in the first half, holding Butler without a shot in the first 45 minutes. Offensively, WMU made Butler work throughout the half. In the opening 15 minutes, Emily Pagett and Jenna Blackburn each had a chance on net that ended up being saved by Bulldogs goaltender Anna Pierce. 

About 15 minutes later in the half, Blackburn put another shot on net that was partially stopped by the goaltender, but the ball went to Reagan Wisser. Wisser tried to get a head on it, but Pierce was able to put a stop to the Broncos' threat. However, just moments later, a Butler corner kick was sent out of danger and Telemaque nudged the ball past the Butler defense and took off down the field. Nobody on the Bulldogs' defense would catch her, and her shot beat Pierce to give the Broncos a 1-0 edge going into halftime. 

SECOND HALF
Reigning Mid-American Conference Offensive Player of the Week Jen Blitchok opened the second half with a good look on net that was saved by Pierce. Moments later, Butler's first shot of the game would miss left of the net. In the 61st minute Telemaque almost added on to the WMU lead, but her shot would hit off the right post and be cleared from danger. 

Western Michigan goaltender Lauren Boafo made her lone save of the game on a floating ball in the top right of the goal in the 75th minute. Down the stretch, the Brown and Gold would hold Butler without another shot, securing a 1-0 victory. 

The Broncos outshot the Bulldogs, 11-3, and WMU had seven shots on goal compared to one for Butler. The game finished with 33 fouls, and Butler had five corners to WMU's three. 

UP NEXT
The Broncos will stay in Kalamazoo for another home match next Sunday (Sept. 3). The Brown and Gold will look to remain undefeated when Wisconsin comes to town. The game is set for 1 PM at the WMU Soccer Complex.