PEORIA, Ill. – Bradley Volleyball continues its Missouri Valley Conference schedule Saturday evening as the Braves travel to Carbondale, Ill., to face Southern Illinois.

Match Information

Bradley at Southern Illinois
Date & Time: Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026 at 5 p.m. CT
Location: Carbondale, Ill.
Coverage: Live Stats & ESPN+

Southern Illinois Matchup

Southern Illinois enters the weekend at 9-9 overall and 3-3 in Missouri Valley Conference play. The Salukis have dropped three consecutive matches, including a three-set loss to Belmont and a four-set defeat against UNI last weekend. Southern Illinois will face Murray State on Friday before hosting Bradley on Saturday.

McKenzie Moeller leads the Saluki offense with 188 kills this season, followed closely by Ella Swansiger with 180. Natalie Vance has contributed 126 kills, while Beatriz Piaia has added 93. Ella McFarland directs the Southern Illinois offense with 362 assists, while Lillian Dempkey has recorded 279.

Defensively, Jillian Shaneyfelt leads the Salukis with 327 digs this season. Southern Illinois has also been effective from the service line, totaling 118 aces, led by McFarland with 22 and Moeller with 19.

The Salukis hold a 50-28 advantage in the all-time series against Bradley, including a five-set victory in Peoria during the 2025 season. Saturday marks the first meeting between the programs this season.

Bradley Notes

Bradley enters Saturday at 10-9 overall and 5-2 in Missouri Valley Conference play following a four-set victory over Indiana State on Thursday. The Braves have won three consecutive home matches, including a sweep of Belmont and Thursday's 25-15, 22-25, 25-21, 25-17 victory over the Sycamores.

Sophomore Gracie Furlong continues to lead the Bradley offense, while junior setter Maria Drapp directs the Braves' attack. Sophomore middle blocker Adeline Goedheer remains a key presence at the net, contributing on both sides of the ball.

In Thursday's victory over Indiana State, Chloe Parker led the Braves with 13 kills, while Furlong recorded a double-double with 10 kills and 16 digs. Mairen Mannon added nine kills on a .563 hitting percentage, and Goedheer finished with five kills and five blocks. Drapp totaled 37 assists and 19 digs, while freshman Hayden Booth contributed five service aces.

Bradley hit .246 as a team against Indiana State, finishing with 46 kills, 73 digs and seven service aces. The Braves will look to carry that momentum into Saturday's matchup as they continue their push through the MVC schedule.