With the tail end of the season approaching fast and no postseason berth possible, Bradley volleyball had its last home stand Saturday.
It was tough competition for the Braves, as they played two of the tougher teams in the Missouri Valley Conference. The Braves fell in two three-set matches, losing to Missouri State and Wichita State 0-3.
“We prepared just as we do for any other Missouri Valley team by analyzing film, coming up with a game plan and working hard all week in practice,” junior defensive specialist Kayla Rymer said. “We knew it was going to be a battle, and we were ready for the challenge.”
Against Missouri State, the Braves’ only positive came when senior Lea Sack reached 1,300 career digs and would eventually reach sixth on the career digs list. Sophomore Jamie Livaudais tallied a game high seven kills to provide one of the Braves highlights on night.
At home, the Braves played conference leader Wichita State and notched the same result. Freshman Erica Haslag had an impressive 13 kills, leading her to the team-best of 278 from this season. Livaudais also aided Bradley with her eight kills. Defensively, Rymer racked up 11 digs for Bradley, while Sack got nine digs for the last home game of her career.
However, Wichita managed to stay one step ahead throughout the three matches. The Shockers hit a cumulative total of .412 with eight blocks. They were coming in hot for kills as they racked up points to keep the Braves trailing the entire time.
“The effort was there, but a lot of times it comes down to a serve and pass game,” Rymer said.
Despite the chemistry the Braves had on the court with each other, the Shockers came in strong and ended with the same momentum, making it difficult for the Braves to gain a lead at any point. Without a doubt, Wichita State kept Bradley on their toes every time they touched the ball.
“Regardless of the outcome of the game, we stick together and we know that heart, work ethic [and] our team — those are things that matter,” Rymer said.
The Braves have two games left. They will travel to face Northern Iowa tonight and Drake tomorrow, wrapping up the season.
