Peoria, Ill. – The Bradley Braves concluded their first homestand on Saturday, falling to the UIC Flames in three sets and the Valparaiso Beacons in five.

Match One – UIC

The Braves struggled in their first game of the weekend, losing in three sets to the Flames (16-25, 8-25, 21-25). Dakota Elliott led the Braves defensively at the net, recording a team-leading three blocks while tallying three kills with no errors. Gracie Furlong had a solid game on both sides of the ball, totaling two blocks and six digs while recording a team-leading nine kills offensively. Maria Drapp totaled 20 assists along with four kills. Bradley struggled to stop UIC's momentum once it got rolling, including an eight-point run in the second set that gave the Flames a 2-0 set advantage.

Match Two – Valparaiso

Bradley regrouped on Saturday and put up a good fight against Valparaiso, but it wasn't enough as the Beacons took down the Braves in five sets (21-25, 25-14, 20-25, 25-18, 8-15). Two Braves recorded double-doubles, as Tendai Titley posted 22 kills, a new season high, and 11 digs, while Maria Drapp totaled 47 assists, raising her MVC-leading total to 568, and 10 digs. Vitoria Oliveira had a strong day at the net, recording a team-leading five blocks while finishing second on the team in kills with 12. Irene Mostardini recorded 16 digs and two service aces while adding six assists. The Braves fought until the end, but the Beacons went up 7-2 early in the fifth set and didn't give up the lead for the remainder of the match. 

Coming up…

The Braves will look to rebound next week as they head to Des Moines, Iowa, to take on Drake on Friday at 6 p.m., and to Cedar Falls, Iowa, to face UNI on Saturday at 5 p.m.