Bradley University Athletics

Drake Rallies for 4-3 Tennis Win

Wichita State Athletics

Match Results

Bobby Parker, Associate AD for Communications Women's Tennis 4/14/2017 11:42:00 PM

PEORIA, IL — A promising start to the final home stand of the season took a sour turn when the teams were forced to change venues in the middle of their dual match and visiting Drake 10-7, 3-1 MVC) responded well to the move, rallying for a 4-3 victory against Bradley (9-12, 0-4 MVC) Friday afternoon at the Clubs at River City.

The Friday dual match started well for Bradley when the team took the doubles point 2-1. Senior Ashley Thai took sole position of the second-place spot on the Bradley combined career wins list. With her wins in No. 1 doubles and No. 6 singles, Thai topped Teri Chan with 117 combined career wins. Junior Aimee Manfredo also claimed a victory, cruising to a 6-3, 6-2 victory at No. 5 singles.

Things took a turn downward from there, as the Braves dropped three consecutive singles matches after leading 3-1. Following a brief change in venue due to a leaky roof, the match resumed play with Nos. 2, 3, 4 and 5 singles left to play. At the new venue, the Braves dropped matches at the Nos. 3 and 4 positions.

With only freshman Natalia Barbery left to play at No. 2 singles and the match tied at 3-3, the crowd gathered at court one to watch the clincher. Barbery eventually lost 4-6, 6-2, 2-6 in a heartbreaker for the Braves, giving Drake the 4-3 win.

The Braves make a quick turnaround, playing their final home match of the season Saturday morning at 10 o'clock, hosting the Panthers of Northern Iowa at Markin Tennis Courts. The match will be the final home match for the two winningest players in Bradley Tennis history - seniors Ariel Dechter and Ashely Thai.

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