Jenna Passman had two of her 19 kills at just the right times in games one and two to lead Bradley past Illinois State 30-28, 30-28, 19-30, 30-18 in the conference-opening Missouri Valley Conference match for both teams.
Games one and two both were knotted at 28 when Passman went to work, breaking the tie with a kill in game one and earning game point in game two with a kill to the left corner in game two.
The Redbirds battled from behind in each of the first two games thanks to a balanced attack featuring Staci Boyce, who tied her career high with 19 kills, Jenny Kabbes with 18 kills and Ashley Grubb, subbing for Redbird captain Erin Jones, with 12 kills. Freshman Lindley McDavid came off the bench to spark the Birds with 10 blocks and 5 kills.
ISU overcame a 17-12 deficit to catch Bradley at 23-23 in game one, but never led. Bradley led 17-13 in game two, but McDavids blocks eventually helped ISU take a 27-24 advantage before the Braves rallied to win.
Redbird coach Sharon Dingman thought little things meant a lot in the first two games for Bradley.
They made some detailed plays that we didnt, and that allowed the points to swing in the opposite direction, said Dingman.
Bradley coach Scott Luster thought it was an even match.
We feel fortunate to come and win here, said Luster. I though both teams played great, and we both had our advantages.
Kabbes highlighted the Redbird attack in game three with seven kills and was a force at the net throughout the game.
If I was in the air with my arm up the kills came pretty easily, said Kabbes. Kelly (Rikli) was really helping me out.
Luster didnt want Kabbes to get on a roll.
They really got Kabbes going, said Luster. In the fourth game she didnt get the ball as much, and thank goodness because she dominated us at the net.
Illinois State was without the services of senior dig and service ace leader Jones, who has been sidelined by illness. She is not expected to play in Saturdays 7 p.m. Redbird match with No. 7 Northern Iowa at Redbird Arena.
Bradley played hard on defense, said Dingman. They werent afraid to chase balls down and they played with a lot of heart tonight. Not having Erin in game four made a difference. Shes our best passer.
Stephanie Behrns matched Passmans 19 kills for the Braves, 6-3 overall Passmans late work spoiled a five-block game two performance by McDavid.
Bradleys only win in 17 previous matches against Illinois State in Normal came in five games last Nov. 2. The Redbirds, who lead the series 28-5. The Redbirds meet Northern Iowa at 7 p.m. Saturday in Redbird Arena. Bradley plays at Indiana State.
