PEORIA, Ill. -- Bradley used one of its best all around performances of the year to sweep Indiana State 30-24, 30-21, 30-25, in Missouri Valley Conference volleyball action Saturday night at Robertson Memorial Field House. With the win, Bradley moved into sole possession of eighth place in the Valley standings and is now 5-16 overall and 2-7 in league play.

The Braves had one of their best defensive efforts of the season, tallying 14 blocks and outdigging the Sycamores 72-63. In addition, Bradley served up seven service aces in the three games and committed a season-low two service errors. A balanced offensive effort also highlighted the evening for the Braves as three players finished with nine or more kills.

Bradley struggled offensively in the first game, hitting .043, but the Braves' defense recorded five blocks and BU served up three aces in the frame. The opening game went back and forth with 11 ties and five lead changes, before the Braves seized control. Bradley held a 23-22 lead when senior Kelly Niemeyer found the floor with one of her four game-one kills to help spark a Braves run.

A pair of Indiana State attack errors and an ace by Eileen Hillary pushed the Braves' lead to 27-22 and gave Bradley control.  Senior Amber DeBroux closed out the game, notching a kill and block assist on consecutive plays to give BU a 30-24 win.

The Braves dominated play in game two, limiting the Sycamores to a -.044 attack percentage, while hitting at a .256 clip. Junior Nikki Pierzchala chipped in with five kills and hit .714 in the second game, while Niemeyer added four kills to highlight Bradley's offensive efforts. Indiana State trailed 18-17, when Pierzchala recorded four kills during an 8-3 BU spurt that put the game out of the reach as the Braves cruised to the 30-21 victory.

Indiana State (4-16 overall, 1-8 MVC), led 21-16 in game three and appeared to be ready to force a fourth game, before the Braves rallied to pull out a 30-25 win and sweep the match. Sophomore Katrina Goncher had a kill and solo block to highlight a 5-1 Bradley run that pulled the Braves to within one point at 22-21.

The Sycamores held a two-point advantage at 25-23 after a pair of Indiana State kills, but Bradley would close out the match with a seven-point run. An Indiana State service error was followed by a pair of Sycamore attack errors. Senior Jennifer Bohan served up an ace to give the Braves a 27-25 lead. Pierzchala and freshman Amy Reichel then teamed on a block and the duo each recorded kills to seal the victory for the Braves.

DeBroux tied for match-high honors with 10 kills and also added a career-high eight blocks to go along with six digs and six assists. Pierzchala and Niemeyer both finished with nine kills, with Niemeyer tying Jennifer Bohan for team-high honors with 15 digs. Senior Amy McFarland tied a BU record for block assists in a three-game match with a career-best eight block assists, despite playing in just two games, while sophomore Sam Black chipped in with 20 assists and 12 digs for her seventh double-double of the year.

Stephanie Roof led Indiana State with 10 kills and was one of just three Indiana State attackers to hit better than .100. Kristy Cox led all players with 22 digs, highlighting Indiana State's defensive efforts.

Bradley continues the three-match homestand Friday, when the Braves play host to defending regular-season MVC champion Wichita State at 7 p.m. at Robertson Memorial Field House.