Western Michigan commanded play late in the match to take the first of two rivalry games against Central Michigan volleyball this season.
The Chippewas (9-6, 1-2 MAC) fell on the road in four sets to Western (10-4, 3-0 MAC).
"Anytime you have the opportunity to play your rival and play on the road, it's always a fun, energetic environment," head coach Mike Gawlik said. "We jumped out to an early lead in set one and didn't quite have the final kick we wanted."
After a back and forth first set, the Broncos escaped with a 25-22 victory.