KALAMAZOO, Mich. (Interstat) — Western Michigan used a dominant first quarter to build a lead and then held off a late Akron rally for a 55-48 victory in a Mid-American Conference women’s basketball game Wednesday night at University Arena.

The Broncos opened with a 22-point first quarter and led by 13 at halftime. The Zips chipped away and closed to within five points in the final minutes but could not complete the comeback. D’Myjah Bolds led Western Michigan with 15 points. Monique Mitchell scored 14 for Akron.

Western Michigan improved to 5-8 overall. Akron fell to 3-12. Attendance was 632.