KALAMAZOO, Mich. – Thanks to a 4-1 win over Kent State on Thursday afternoon, the Western Michigan women's soccer team will play in the MAC Tournament Championship game for the first time since 2015.
Jenna Blackburn,
Jen Blitchok,
Jaden Peck and
Abby Werthman provided the goals for the Broncos in the victory.
Abby Baldridge and
Meredith Vance had assists in the match.
FIRST HALF
Lauren Boafo opened the game with a save on a strong Kent State chance, setting the tone for the first half of action. Moments later, WMU would find some looks, as Blitchok and Blackburn both had shots just miss the mark.
However, the Broncos would break through soon after as Blackburn found the back of the net off of a nice feed from Baldridge. That made the score 1-0 WMU in the 13th minute. About seven minutes later, Kent State would tie the game on a penalty kick.
From there, Western Michigan controlled much of the play. The Broncos' offensive aggressiveness was rewarded in the 38th minute, as Blitchok was taken down in the box. She stepped up and scored on the penalty kick to put the Brown and Gold back in front.
Just over two minutes later, Peck blasted a shot by KSU keeper Heidi Marshall to add to the lead. Peck's tally was her second of the season and helped the Broncos carry a two-goal lead into the final 45 minutes of play.
SECOND HALF
Western Michigan continued to apply pressure on offense, getting a shot from Werthman in the early moments of the second 45 minutes. A little bit later, Blitchok nearly added a fourth goal, but her shot in the box was saved by Marshall.
However, WMU would add a fourth goal in the 64th minute, as Werthman was taken down in the box. She stepped up and scored on the penalty kick to build the Broncos' lead up to three. With under 20 minutes to play
Brooke Bailey fired a shot that missed just wide of the net.
A couple minutes later, Blitchok blasted a shot toward the left post. Marshall was there to make another stop. Down the stretch, neither team would get much on net. The Broncos closed out a 4-1 win to advance to the MAC Championship.
UP NEXT
Western Michigan will take on Buffalo on Sunday afternoon in the MAC Championship game. The Broncos and Bulls will hit the field at 2:30 PM.
