Peoria, Ill. – The Braves will begin their final road trip of the season, taking on UIC on Friday at 6 p.m. and Valparaiso on Saturday at 6 p.m.
Match Information
Bradley vs. UIC
Date & Time: Friday, November 14, 2025 – 6:00 p.m. CT
Location: Chicago, Ill.
Bradley vs. Valparaiso
Date & Time: Saturday, November 15, 2025 – 6:00 p.m. CT
Location: Valparaiso, Ind.
Matchup History
UIC: The Flames have been solid this season. They have a 9-5 conference record and sit comfortably in fourth place in the MVC standings. Hanna Ditsworth and Julieta Sandez have anchored the front line for UIC, recording 95 and 92 blocks to rank sixth and seventh in the Valley, respectively. Sandez also has a .441 hitting percentage this season, ranking first in the MVC and fifth in the NCAA. The Flames and Braves have faced each other 34 times in their histories, with UIC holding a 23-11 advantage over Bradley. Their last match on October 3 ended with a UIC sweep of the Braves.
Valparaiso: The Beacons are in second place in the MVC standings with an 11-3 record, trailing the undefeated UNI Panthers. Emma Hickey has been a phenomenal defensive presence in the back row this season. She has totaled 528 digs, ranking first in the MVC and fifth in the NCAA. In addition, she has 128 assists and 15 service aces on the season. Bradley and Valparaiso have met 31 times in their histories, with the Beacons holding a 19-12 advantage over Bradley. In their last match on October 4, the Braves pushed the Beacons to a fifth set but ultimately couldn't come away with the victory.
Bradley Notes
The Braves enter the weekend with a 7-7 conference record and are in a three-way tie for the final two spots in the MVC tournament with Illinois State and Belmont. They will control their own destiny, as the Braves hold the tiebreaker over the Bruins. Over the past three matches, freshman Gracie Furlong has led the team offensively, posting 44 kills while also totaling 37 digs and seven blocks. Mairen Mannon has stood out defensively, totaling 13 blocks over her last three matches while adding 20 kills in that span. Maria Drapp has continued her phenomenal sophomore campaign, tallying 125 assists, 27 digs, and two service aces over the last three matches. Irene Mostardini has anchored the back row, leading the team with 45 digs over her last three matches.
This road trip will determine the final two spots for the MVC tournament. Illinois State will also take on Valparaiso and UIC, while Belmont will face Murray State (2-12 MVC) and UNI (14-0 MVC) at home this weekend.
