Bears Make Final Trip of Season to Bradley, Loyola
November 11, 2015 | Women's Volleyball
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Opponents:
Bradley, Friday, Nov. 13, 7 p.m.
Loyola, Sunday, Nov. 15, 2 p.m.
Locations:
Fri. - Peoria, Ill.
Sun. - Chicago, Ill.
Sites:
Fri. - Renaissance Coliseum
Sun. - Gentile Arena
Live Stats: BU | LUC
Live Video: ESPN3 (Loyola match only)
Missouri State (18-9, 9-5 MVC) makes its last road trip of the regular season this week when it travels to Illinois for matches at Bradley (6-20, 1-13) at 7 p.m. Friday and Loyola (19-8, 8-6) for a 2 p.m. Sunday contest.
The Bears moved up to fourth in the MVC standings with two wins over the weekend, and sit one half game behind Illinois State for third. With a home match against second-place Southern Illinois to close the season, and a road win at first-place Wichita State in their pocket, the Bears still have a top-two league finish in their sights with four matches to play.
The Opponents
Bradley is 6-20 overall and 1-13 in MVC play after getting off to a 5-1 start to the season. Erica Haslag leads the Braves with 2.85 kills per set, and BU hits .166 as a team compared to .248 for the opposition. Bradley averages 11.65 kills, 14.47 digs, 1.23 aces and 1.73 blocks per set.
Loyola has a 19-8 overall record and 8-6 league mark. The Ramblers feature the league's top statistical defense with a .171 opponent hitting percentage, and six regulars average at least 1.77 kills per set. LUC averages 13.90 kills, 14.87 digs, 1.42 aces and 2.44 blocks per set.
The Series
MSU holds a 50-8 series edge with Bradley and has won 29 of the last 30 meetings with the Braves, the loss coming in Peoria in 2008.
Missouri State is 5-1 against Loyola, with LUC's first win in the series coming on Oct. 16 in Springfield.
First Meetings This Season
MSU swept Bradley on Oct. 17 in Springfield. Five Bears notched at least seven kills and the team posted a .324 hitting percentage.
The Bears lost 3-1 to Loyola the night before, hitting a season-low .058. The Ramblers hit .150 in the match and committed 28 attack errors.
