Bradley University Athletics

Illinois State Downs Bradley Tennis, 5-2

Bradley University Marketing

Match Results (PDF)

Bobby Parker, Associate AD for Communications Women's Tennis 4/1/2017 6:40:00 PM

PEORIA, IL - Unexpected circumstances put Bradley ahead early in Bradley's Missouri Valley Conference opener against Illinois State. The Braves were unable to take advantage, however, dropping a 5-2 decision to the I-74 rival Redbirds Saturday at the David Markin Tennis Courts.

Playing short-handed, the Redbirds gave up the No. 3 doubles match, giving Bradley the opportunity to clinch the point with just one victory. Illinois State rallied, though, earning a 6-1 win at No. 1 doubles and a 6-2 victory at No. 2.

With ISU again short a player, Bradley won No. 6 singles by default and needed to earn just three wins to clinch the match. However, the top four Braves fell in the singles portion of the day. Junior Alexa Brandt was the sole Bradley player to snatch a victory, winning her match 0-6, 6-3, 6-2 in the No. 5 place.

Brandt's triumph over ISU moves her up in wins by a junior in Bradley history. She is now tied for seventh place with 15 wins, one win from tying teammates Aimee Manfredo (junior) and Ashley Thai (senior) for fourth place.

Junior Alejandra de Lasa played yet another competitive match, forcing two tie-breaker games in the last match to finish. She fell 7-6, 7-6 but made things exciting for the crowd gathered at her home court.

The Braves continue their conference play next weekend with two dual matches. Bradley will travel to face Evansville on Saturday, followed by a 10:00 AM match against Southern Illinois on Sunday.

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