Bowling Green, KY – The Bradley Braves ended the 2025 non-conference season at the Alyssa Cavanaugh Classic hosted by Western Kentucky. The Braves started their weekend with a doubleheader on Friday, earning a 3-1 victory over Austin Peay State and a 0-3 defeat to Western Kentucky. On Saturday, Bradley dropped the final match of the weekend, losing 1-3 to Indiana, who had only lost three sets heading into the weekend.
Match One – Austin Peay State
The Braves and the Governors split the first two sets, but Bradley regained control to take the final two sets, defeating Austin Peay State in four sets on Friday (25-15, 21-25, 25-16, 25-19). Tendai Titley and Maria Drapp both recorded double-doubles, with Titley totaling 17 kills (.382 hitting percentage) and 11 digs, while Drapp had 40 assists and 15 digs. Titley also tied for the team lead in blocks with three, and both Titley and Drapp recorded two service aces. The Braves set the tone early in their final two sets, jumping out to a 12-6 lead in both, which propelled Bradley to a much-needed win.
Match Two – Western Kentucky
Bradley didn't have much time to rest, as their second match of the day against Western Kentucky was scheduled just three hours after the start of their first match. The Hilltoppers took advantage of the tough schedule and swept the Braves on Friday afternoon (16-25, 26-28, 20-25). Bradley saw offensive production across the board as five players recorded eight or more kills. Mairen Mannon made the most of her opportunities, recording nine kills (on a .389 hitting percentage) and adding two blocks. Irene Mostardini led the defense with 11 digs while contributing five assists. Despite the sweep, the Braves kept it close across all three sets, including the first one, which featured a late seven-point run by the Hilltoppers.
Match Three – Indiana
The Braves closed out their non-conference season with a four-set loss to the Hoosiers (14-25, 10-25, 25-15, 18-25). Vitoria Oliveira ended the day with seven kills (on a .417 hitting percentage) and two blocks. Gracie Furlong had a strong two-way performance, totaling nine kills and leading the team with 11 digs. Drapp turned in another solid outing, recording 33 assists, six digs, and a service ace. The Braves handed the Hoosiers their seventh set loss across the 10 matches they've played this season.
Coming up…
The Braves concluded non-conference play at 6-6, an improvement over last year's 5-7 record. They will begin their conference season next Friday at 6 p.m. at Evansville before coming home to face Illinois State on Saturday at 5 p.m.
