Broncos Sweep Akron with Thrilling Walk-Off Wins

Western Michigan softball team claims 2-1 series victory over Zips with back-to-back walk-off victories.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 4:48am

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The Western Michigan softball team closed out its eight-game homestand with a 2-1 series win over the Akron Zips, securing 4-3 and 4-1 (9) victories in dramatic fashion on Saturday. Senior Jordan Smith hit a walk-off home run in the final inning to secure the second straight Mid-American Conference series win for the Broncos.

Why it matters

The Broncos' back-to-back walk-off wins over the weekend mark the program's first such feat in seven seasons, showcasing the team's resilience and ability to deliver in clutch moments. The series victory also keeps Western Michigan in contention for a top spot in the MAC standings as the season progresses.

The details

In the first game of the doubleheader, Western Michigan fell behind 5-1 but mounted a late comeback, scoring a run in the sixth and loading the bases in the seventh before falling short. The Broncos bounced back in the second game, with sophomore Rylee O'Brien and senior Haleigh Smith leading the offense. Freshman Ava Geyer earned the win in the circle with a complete game performance. In the nightcap, senior Jordan Smith delivered the game-winning walk-off home run in the final inning to secure the sweep.

  • The Broncos closed out an eight-game homestand on Saturday, March 28, 2026.
  • Western Michigan claimed its second straight Mid-American Conference series win of the season.

The players

Jordan Smith

A senior on the Western Michigan softball team who hit the game-winning walk-off home run in the final inning of the second game to secure the series sweep over Akron.

Rylee O'Brien

A sophomore outfielder for the Broncos who led the team at the plate over the three-game series, going 5-for-9 with a double.

Haleigh Smith

A senior utility player for Western Michigan who had a big weekend, hitting .444 and connecting on the game-winning double in the first walk-off victory on Saturday.

Hannah Potts

The Mid-American Conference Pitcher of the Week who made two starts for the Broncos over the weekend, posting a 1-1 record with a 1.95 ERA and 9 strikeouts.

Ava Geyer

A freshman pitcher for Western Michigan who earned the win in the second game of the doubleheader, throwing a complete game with 7 strikeouts.

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What’s next

The Broncos will look to build on their series win over Akron as they continue their Mid-American Conference schedule in the coming weeks, with key matchups against division rivals that could determine their postseason positioning.

The takeaway

Western Michigan's back-to-back walk-off victories over Akron showcase the team's resilience and ability to deliver in clutch moments, keeping them in contention for a top spot in the MAC standings as the season progresses.