Peoria, Ill. – The Bradley Braves went 2-0 in the opening weekend of the Conference season, sweeping Evansville on the road before returning home and defeating Illinois State in a five-set thriller.
Match One – Evansville
Bradley started their weekend by traveling to Evansville, Ind., on Friday to take on the Purple Aces, sweeping Evansville in dominating fashion (25-21, 25-18, 25-21). The Braves were efficient on offense, as six Braves finished the match with a hitting percentage of at least .300. Anna Kiss led the offense, totaling 12 kills (4 k/s, .318 hitting percentage) while also recording two block assists. Vitoria Oliveira was solid on both sides of the ball, totaling four kills with a .429 hitting percentage while leading the team in blocks on the day with three.
Match Two – Illinois State
Bradley returned home on Saturday to host the Illinois State Redbirds. The two teams went back and forth, but the Braves eventually came away with the win after starting the fifth set with an 8-2 lead (25-22, 22-25, 25-18, 21-25, 15-8). The Braves established themselves early in the first set, taking a 14-4 lead, thanks to a six-point run to start the match. Three Braves finished the day with a double-double. Gracie Furlong led the offense, finishing the day with 16 kills while also recording 16 digs, which was second on the team. Tendai Titley was solid on defense, leading the team in digs with 22 with no reception errors while also recording 11 kills, two service aces, and three blocks. Maria Drapp ended the day with 44 assists, the most recorded by any player in the MVC in a single match this season, and 15 digs.
Irene Mostardini and Ava Patchett showcased Bradley's serving abilities as they finished with four service aces each, while Mostardini ended the match with 13 digs. Mairen Mannon was a strong force on both sides of the ball, recording nine kills on offense while establishing herself as a strong presence at the net with five blocks.
Coming up…
The Braves will look to build on their impressive 2025 conference debut as they stay at home to host the UIC Flames on Friday, October 3, at 6 p.m. and the Valparaiso Beacons on Saturday, October 4, at 5 p.m.
