KALAMAZOO, Mich. – The Western Michigan volleyball team opened up Mid-American Conference play with a 3-0 sweep (25-19, 25-21, 25-23) of Buffalo on Friday night at University Arena.
 
FINAL SCORE: Western Michigan 3, Buffalo 0
LOCATION: University Arena (Kalamazoo, Mich.)
RECORDS: Western Michigan (5-7, 1-0 MAC) | Buffalo (4-10, 0-1)
 
As a team, Western Michigan hit .277 for the night and Logan Case handed out 36 assists to set up five different Broncos for eight or more kills. Mary Clare Brusek, Julia Marr and Keona Salesman each notched nine kills, while Anna Calcagno and Amanda Glanton contributed eight kills apiece.
 
WMU had its best blocking night of the season thus far as it totaled a season-high 11. Glanton led the way with seven and Calcagno picked up five. Andelyn Simkins recorded a team-leading 15 digs on the night, with Case contributing eight and the duo of Reeghan Boyer and Carley Piercefield pitching in six apiece.
 
A 6-2 stretch helped guide Buffalo to an 8-6 edge early in the first set. WMU answered and briefly went ahead, 11-10, but the Bulls countered to regain a two-point lead, 15-13. Western Michigan then rattled off five in a row to claim an 18-15 advantage. UB got back to within one, 18-17, but the Brown and Gold used a 7-2 surge to close out the opening frame.
 
The Broncos were quick out of the gates in the second set, racing out to a 6-2 lead. At 11-8, Buffalo came back with a 5-1 run to move in front, 13-12. Western Michigan responded with a 7-1 stretch to open up a 20-15 margin. The Bulls got as close as two, including at 23-21, but a Brusek kill and Boyer service ace sealed the frame for WMU.
 
The third set was tight the whole way, with 14 ties and neither team leading by more than three at any point. With the Brown and Gold holding a 12-11 edge, Buffalo used a 5-1 spurt to climb into a 16-13 lead. The Broncos fought back to get even at 18-18. Level again at 20-20, UB picked up three of the next four to go back in front, 23-21. Western Michigan answered by rattling off the final four points of the night, with Salesman picking up two kills and combining with Glanton on a pair of blocks to seal the victory.
 
The Broncos and Bulls continue their series on Saturday afternoon, with first serve slated for 3 pm at University Arena. For tickets to any WMU volleyball home match, visit wmubroncos.com/tickets.