Peoria, IL – Bradley Volleyball will kick off their conference season on Friday against the Evansville Purple Aces on the road at 6 p.m. and then return home to host the Illinois State Redbirds on Saturday at 5 p.m.
Game Information
Bradley vs. Evansville
Date & Time: Friday, September 26, 2025 – 6:00 p.m. CT
Location: Evansville, IN
Bradley vs. Illinois State
Date & Time: Saturday, September 27, 2025 – 5:00 p.m. CT
Location: Peoria, IL
Matchup History
Evansville: The Purple Aces ended the non-conference season at 4-8 and have lost their last three matches heading into the conference opener. Hinsley Everett leads the team offensively with 129 kills (2.53 k/s), while Ainoah Cruz has been solid defensively, posting 264 digs (5.08 dig/s) while also totaling 12 service aces. The Braves and Purple Aces have faced off 68 times, with Bradley holding a 39-29 edge over Evansville. Last season, the two teams split the season series, with the Braves sweeping the Purple Aces at home in their first matchup but falling to them in five sets on the road later in the season.
Illinois State: The Redbirds concluded non-conference play with a 5-7 record, losing five of their last six matches heading into their first weekend of conference play. Illinois State will take on Indiana State on Friday before traveling to Peoria to play the Braves on Saturday. The Redbirds have a variety of offensive threats, as five players have at least 60 kills, with Caitlyn Little leading the way with 95 (2.57 k/s). Illinois State and Bradley have faced off 94 times, with the Redbirds winning 76 of those matches. Last season, the Redbirds swept the season series, winning the first match in five sets and the second in four.
Bradley Notes
The Braves ended their non-conference season at 6-6 after a challenging road trip last weekend, where they faced two powerhouses in Western Kentucky and Indiana. Maria Drapp is first in the MVC and 25th in the nation in assists with 427. Drapp currently leads the Valley by 81 assists over Evansville's Kora Ruff, who ranks second. Irene Mostardini ranks third in the MVC and 29th in the nation with 203 digs. She is also fourth in the Valley and tied for 35th in the nation with 21 service aces. Tendai Titley and Gracie Furlong have gone back and forth for the team lead in kills, with Titley currently leading with 124 (2.70 k/s) while Furlong is just behind with 123 (2.67 k/s).
This weekend will mark the Braves' only split weekend this season. Next weekend, the Braves will stay at home to take on the UIC Flames (6-4) and Valparaiso Beacons (9-4) to finish off their three-match homestand.
