Get ready for a thrilling showdown as the Western Michigan University women's basketball team kicks off their first homestand of the season against Valparaiso—a matchup that promises excitement, strategy, and a few surprises. But here's where it gets controversial: can the Broncos maintain their dominance in this series, or will the struggling Beacons find their footing and pull off an upset?
The Broncos are riding high after a 58-45 victory over the Loyola Ramblers, marking their second win of the season. Sophomore guard Alli Harness stole the spotlight in Chicago, delivering a career-best performance with 13 points, including 5 field goals and 3 three-pointers. And this is the part most people miss: Harness wasn’t the only one setting records. Freshman guard Olivia Flynn scored her first collegiate bucket with a three-pointer, while senior forward Mary Clare Brusek notched her first point of the 2025-26 season. Talk about a team effort!
Defensively, redshirt senior forward De'Ahna Richardson shone on her birthday, grabbing a career-high 9 rebounds. Meanwhile, sophomore guard Kailey Starks continued her streak, scoring in double digits for the fifth consecutive game with 10 points. The Broncos’ bench also stepped up, contributing nearly 30% of the team’s points—a testament to their depth and balance.
Looking ahead, Sunday’s game marks the 17th meeting between Western Michigan and Valparaiso. The Broncos lead the series 11-5 but dropped their last matchup in 2024. At University Arena, they boast a strong 5-1 record, with an additional win at Lawson Arena in 1993. But here’s the twist: Valparaiso, under first-year Head Coach Courtney Boyd, is still winless this season. Will this be their breakthrough moment, or will the Broncos extend their series lead?
The Beacons, despite their 0-10 start, showed promise in a close 76-69 loss to the SIUE Cougars. Freshman guard Alliavon Schlegell led the way with a career-high 18 points, while senior guard Fiona Connolly remains their top scorer, averaging 12.5 points and 4.6 rebounds per game. Redshirt junior center Kamryn Winch anchors their defense, pulling down 6.0 rebounds in just 15.1 minutes per game.
Here’s a thought-provoking question for you: With Valparaiso desperate for a win and Western Michigan aiming to solidify their series lead, which team’s hunger will prevail? Will the Broncos’ depth and home-court advantage seal the deal, or will the Beacons’ youthful energy and determination turn the tide? Tune in to find out, and let us know your predictions in the comments!
