Originally published November 12, 2010
After their first conference victory in almost two years, the Braves continued their losing trend with a loss against 13th-ranked University of Northern Iowa last Friday, 25-16, 25-14, 25-21.
The Panthers, the first ranked team to play in the arena, came into the match with a 17-match win streak. UNI was too much for the Braves team, who had just ended their winning streak with a loss to Southern Illinois University a week earlier.
Freshman Amy Angelos was a bright spot for the Braves in defeat, leading the team with 10 kills in the three sets.
“The freshmen have stepped up the competition,” said junior Rachelle Dejean. “It’s definitely going to be a brighter future.”
Angelos’s two blocks spearheaded defensive play that was much more consistent than the team’s offense. The defensive cornerstones of Rachelle and Genevieve Dejean combined for 22 digs on the day.
Rachelle Dejean was able pass the 1,000 dig mark for her career last Friday, becoming only the 13th player in Bradley history to do so.
“She really commands that position in terms of leadership and also her abilities on the court,” coach Sean Burdette said.
Even with junior Annie Cave’s team-leading 13 digs, the Braves still found themselves out-dug 62-51.
UNI also dominated the Braves offensively with 46 kills and a .286 hitting average, compared to the .113 average the Braves held throughout the three sets.
Beth Discher of UNI tallied up 15 kills and hit a .419 average. Her play distanced the Panthers from the Braves, as the Braves only had one other player besides Angelos with more than six kills.
With the loss, the Braves are in last place in the Missouri Valley Conference, with a conference record of 1-13.
The Braves will play their last home game Saturday against the MVC’s second-worst team, the 3-12 Indiana State Sycamores.
