Des Moines – The Bradley Braves secured a dramatic 3-2 victory over Valparaiso in the first round of the 2025 MVC Tournament, with Sydney Kennedy delivering a clutch walk-off hit and pitching a complete game to advance to the Quarterfinal vs Belmont.

The Braves came out strong in the opening frame, immediately putting pressure on Valparaiso. Olivia Turner's two-run home run gave Bradley an early 2-0 lead, it was a powerful start, setting the tone for what would become a tightly contested battle.

However, Valparaiso was quick to respond in the second inning, capitalizing on a timely RBI single by Vrastil to even the score at 2-2. From that point, both teams struggled to push across another run. Bradley's offense couldn't break through, despite several scoring opportunities, while Valparaiso's pitching kept the Braves at bay.

As the game stretched into the later innings, it became clear that this was going to be a battle of willpower. Bradley's defense held strong behind Kennedy's steady hand in the circle, while Valparaiso's offense fizzled out after their second-inning rally. Kennedy showed remarkable resilience, keeping her focus and allowing just two runs on four hits over the course of eight innings.

Then, in the bottom of the eighth, the Braves' persistence paid off. With the game still knotted at 2-2, Kennedy stepped up to the plate with Ashley Breeding on third base and delivered the decisive blow—a walk-off hit sealing the 3-2 victory for Bradley.

With the win, Bradley advances to the next round of the MVC Tournament, where they will face Belmont tomorrow at 5:35 PM.

Key Performances:

• Sydney Kennedy: Delivered a complete game on the mound, allowing just two runs, and provided the game-winning walk-off hit in the eighth inning.

• O. Turner: Contributed with a two-run home run in the first inning, giving the Braves an early advantage.

• Bradley Defense: The Braves played strong defense throughout the game, committing only one error and maintaining their lead through crucial innings.