PEORIA Ill. – For the first time since 1988, Bradley Volleyball matched up with Illinois but were defeated by a score of 3-1.
Bradley took a commanding set one victory against the Fighting Illini with a 25-16 win. As a team, the Braves hit for .591 in the first set.
The Fighting Illini came back in the second set with a narrow 25-23 victory. Illinois took the match after a 25-22 win in set three and a match-winning 25-21 victory in the fourth set.
Renaissance Coliseum had over 1,000 fans for the first time since 2019. In total, 1,041 fans were in attendance which is seventh all-time in Renaissance Coliseum history for a volleyball match.
Senior Doga Topcicek recorded a team-high 16 kills, the most since her match at Evansville last season. Jasmine Green continued her hot streak with 10 kills and Kendall Minta collected seven. Graduate student Dru Kuck led the defense with 13 digs while Topcicek recorded 11.
The Braves only have three non-conference matches left before MVC play starts next weekend. Bradley travels to Greeley, Colorado, to play Wichita State, Northern Colorado and Omaha in the Northern Colorado Classic this weekend.
