GREEN BAY, Wis. – The Western Michigan volleyball team wrapped up its non-conference schedule by earning a straight-set victory (25-20, 25-13, 25-23) over Tennessee Tech on Saturday afternoon at the Kendall's Battle at the Capital Credit Union Classic.
 
FINAL SCORE: Western Michigan 3, Tennessee Tech 0
LOCATION: Kress Center (Green Bay, Wis.)
RECORDS: Western Michigan (3-10) | Tennessee Tech (3-9)
 
Following the match, WMU setter Leah Richmond and libero Elana Erickson were named to the event's All-Tournament Team. Richmond had a double-double in all three contests, totaling 111 assists (10.09/set) and 45 digs (4.09/set), while also chipping in four blocks and three service aces. Erickson collected 74 digs (6.73/set) and went a perfect 26-for-26 in serve receive for the weekend.
 
On Saturday, Richmond recorded 27 assists and 14 digs for her fourth consecutive double-double. Keely Culler led the attack with nine kills, while Annalise Patchett was right behind with eight.
 
Erickson paced the three Broncos in double-digit digs with 17. Richmond totaled 14 and Carley Piercefield chipped in 10.
 
The first set was tight most of the way. Holding a 16-15 edge, Western Michigan tallied three straight points to boost its cushion to 19-15. At 20-17, a 4-1 spurt got the Broncos to set point, and Molly Brown then got the decisive kill to give WMU the first frame.
 
The Broncos rattled off five consecutive points to get out to a 7-2 start in the second. At 16-12, Western Michigan then picked up another six in a row to ignite a 9-1 set-closing surge to take a 2-0 match lead into the break.
 
In the third, the Brown and Gold used an 8-1 charge to wipe out an early Tennessee Tech advantage and grab a 13-10 lead. After the Golden Eagles worked it back to 13-12, Western Michigan countered with four of the next five to increase its cushion to 17-13. A five-point response put TTU ahead, 18-17. At 20-19, the Broncos used a 5-1 run to reach match point, and held on from there for the sweep.
 
Western Michigan returns to University Arena next Thursday and Friday, Sept. 25-26, to begin its Mid-American Conference schedule against Eastern Michigan and Central Michigan. First up is EMU on Thursday at 6 pm. For tickets to any WMU volleyball home match, visit wmubroncos.com/tickets.