Bradley (9-13 overall, 0-8 MVC) trailed 18-15 in the opening set when Missouri State (15-4, 8-0) scored three consecutive points to push the lead 21-15.  The Braves cut the deficit to five points (23-18), but a Kelly Michnowicz kill and Bradley attack error closed out a 25-18 Missouri State first-set win.  Sara Staubach recorded six of her match-high eight kills during the opening set to highlight the Bears' offensive efforts.

Missouri State seized momentum early in the second set, scoring 12 consecutive points en route to a 17-3 lead.  Bradley scored six of the next nine points and trailed 20-9 before a 5-1 Missouri State spurt gave the Bears a 25-10 victory.  Missouri State hit .423 in the set and collected four of its eight blocks in the match during the second frame.

The Braves took an early 5-2 lead in the third set, before the Bears came roaring back.  Missouri State scored eight consecutive points to start a 15-2 run as the Bears built a 17-7 lead.  Bradley would get no closer than nine points and Missouri State cruised to a 25-12 win to pick up its eighth consecutive victory.  The Bears served up five of their seven aces during the third and final set.

Senior Amy Reichel (Schaumburg, Ill./Schaumburg) and freshman Madelyn Ervin (Lewis Center, Ohio/Olentangy) led Bradley with five kills each.  Sophomore Genevieve Dejean (Naperville, Ill./Neuqua Valley) tied for match-high honors with eight digs.

Staubach and Calli Norman tied for match-high honors with eight kills to lead Missouri State.  Norman hit at a .583 clip and also collected seven block assists.  Cara Hackmann notched eight digs and two service aces, while Kelley Michnowicz had six kills, three aces and three blocks to help lead the Bears.

Bradley returns to action Saturday when the Braves play host to defending regular-season Missouri Valley Conference champion Wichita State at 5 p.m. at the Markin Family Student Recreation Center.