PEORIA, Ill. – Bradley Volleyball starts their 50th season on the Hilltop with the CEFCU Invitational this weekend. The Braves kick off their season at Renaissance Coliseum on Friday against SIUE at 6:30 PM. On Saturday, Bradley has two games scheduled. The first match is set for 1 PM versus Eastern Michigan followed by a match against IUPUI at 6 PM.
Matchups
Bradley faces SIUE on Friday night to begin the CEFCU Invitational. The Cougars concluded the previous season in the Ohio Valley Conference with a 13-17 record. They made an OVC tournament appearance but lost in the first round to UT Martin. The Braves are 3-2 all-time against SIUE with their last matchup in 2015 at UMKC. Bradley's last home victory against the Cougars dates back to Oct. 4, 2009.
On Saturday afternoon, the Braves have a matchup against Eastern Michigan. The Eagles posted a 5-25 record in 2022, placing 10th in the MAC. In their overall history, BU maintains a 4-2 advantage. The Braves defeated Eastern Michigan in 2021 but have not played them at home since 2008.
Closing out the CEFCU Invitational, Bradley takes on IUPUI for the second straight season. IUPUI holds a 4-2 record against the Braves with their most recent victory coming last year at the CEFCU Invitational. In the Horizon League last season, the Jaguars finished with a 9-21 overall record. The last Bradley victory at home came on Sep. 7, 2002.
Bradley Notes
The Braves have four newcomers on the 2023 roster that include two transfers and two freshmen. Dru Kuck (DS/L, Alabama), Beste Ayhan (MB, Florida International), Corrie Brown (S, Springfield High School) and Tendai Titley (OH, Obra D. Tompkins High School) all come in with a roster of seven seniors.
Karagan Coggin returns to the Hilltop for her fifth year. In Bradley history, she is seventh all-time in total blocks and fifth in attack percentage. Head Coach Alicia Williams enters her second season on the Hilltop after spending nine years at Iowa Western Community College.
Friday Information
Bradley Braves (0-0) vs. SIUE Cougars (0-0)
Date & Time: Friday, August 25, 2023 • 6:30 PM
Location: Renaissance Coliseum
Live Coverage: ESPN+
Tickets here
Saturday Information
Bradley Braves (0-0) vs. Eastern Michigan (0-0)
Bradley Braves (0-0) vs. IUPUI (0-0)
Date & Times: Saturday, August 26, 2023 • 1 PM and 6 PM
Location: Renaissance Coliseum
Live Coverage: ESPN+ (Game 1) | ESPN+ Game 2)
Tickets here
