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Western Michigan University Athletics

WMU vs Northern Kentucky
Ashley Blanchard, WMU Photographer
0
Northern Ky. NKU (0-1-0, 0-0-0)
3
Winner Western Mich. WMU (1-0-0, 0-0-0)
Northern Ky. NKU
(0-1-0, 0-0-0)
0
Final
3
Western Mich. WMU
(1-0-0, 0-0-0)
Winner
Score By Periods
Team 1 2 F
Northern Ky. NKU 0 0 0
Western Mich. WMU 1 2 3

Game Recap: Women's Soccer |

Broncos Blank Norse in Season Opener

KALAMAZOO, Mich. -- The Western Michigan women's soccer team opened the season with a dominating victory over Northern Kentucky on Thursday afternoon at the WMU Soccer Complex. The Broncos blanked the Norse, 3-0, with Jen Blitchok posting two goals and Abby Werthman chipping in another. Ava Wilberding posted her first shutout as a Bronco in her first start at WMU. 

FIRST HALF
It didn't take long for WMU to set the tone, as Blitchok hit the post in the opening minute of the game. Wilberding then made her first save of the game just under five minutes into the opening half. Following that, Blitchok nearly netted the game's first goal, but NKU netminder Tristen Cross was able to make a save on the shot. 

As the game progressed to the middle portion of the first half, Werthman fired a shot on net that was initially saved by Cross. However, she got her own rebound and buried a shot in the back of the net to put the Broncos in front 1-0 with just over 19 minutes to play in the first half. 

Down the stretch of the first half, Western Michigan would put some pressure on the Norse, but nothing would find the back of the net. WMU carried a one-goal lead into the second 45 minutes of action. 

SECOND HALF
Jenna Blackburn nearly put the Broncos up by two, having a shot saved in the opening few minutes of the second 45 minutes. Not long after that, Blitchok tallied her first goal of the season, thanks to assists from Emily Pagett and Werthman. 

A few minutes later, Pagett had a great look on net that Cross was able to just get a touch on. Not too long after that, Blitchok buried another goal, thanks to a great crossing pass from Brooke Bailey. Callie Cunningham picked up the other assist for her first point as a Bronco. 

Moments after that, Wilberding made another save to keep the shutout alive for the Brown and Gold. Down the stretch of the game, WMU had a few more good looks on net, including a Jaden Peck shot that hit the post. In the end, the Broncos would go on to close out a 3-0 win in the opening game of the season. 

UP NEXT
The Broncos will be back in action next Thursday against Iowa. The game is set for 2:30 PM at the WMU Soccer Complex and will be streamed on ESPN+. 
 
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