Upsets were the theme of the opening day of the 2012 Missouri Valley Conference Men’s Soccer Championship as sixth-seeded Central Arkansas and fifth-seeded Drake both advanced against their higher-seeded opponents Wednesday night at Shea Stadium. UCA (8-8-1) rode the first half goal of Daniel Sampedro and goalkeeper Cody Gibson to a 1-0 victory against third-seeded host Bradley (10-6-4). The Bears put together a combination on the right flank that sprang Sampedro into the penalty area, where he was able to beat the Braves goal keeper Brian Billings with a low shot inside the right post. Michael Quinn and Ethan Miller set up the goal, Sampedro’s third of the year, at 36:03. Final game stats.
Click here to view game photo’s.
-Bob
The newest head coach in Bradley University women’s basketball history already has helped the program make history. Michael Brooks a member of the Braves’ staff for the program’s first two postseason tournament appearances, has been named Bradley’s eighth women’s basketball head coach, according to an announcement Friday afternoon by Director of Athletics Dr. Michael Cross. “The fact that Michael Brooks has been involved in the first two postseason appearances in Bradley women’s basketball history is no accident,” said Cross. “He has strong knowledge of the game, is an excellent judge of talent, is a strong communicator and has the respect of his student-athletes. He is a caring individual who is committed to upholding the mission and values of the Department of Athletics. I’m looking forward to working with him to build upon our recent success to even greater heights.” A native of Omaha, Neb., Brooks is married to the former Andi Sutherland, who was an assistant coach with the Braves during the 2004-05 season and served as the Director of Basketball Operations in 2003-04. The couple has a four-year old daughter: Britain.
-Bob
Bradley capitalized on three Evansville errors to post a 6-0 win in the second game of a Missouri Valley Conference doubleheader against the Purple Aces Saturday afternoon at Laura Bradley Park, after Evansville took the opener 5-1. Sophomore Madeline Lynch-Crumrine scattered four hits over six and one-third innings in the nightcap in addition to going 2-for-3 with a run and RBI to help the Braves snap a five-game game losing skid. Lynch-Crumrine pitched 8.1 scoreless innings in the two games and earned the win in the circle in the second game. Sophomore catcher Bailiegh Basham hit a two run home-run in the second game for the Braves. Game One Box Score, Game Two Box Score.
-Bob
Bradley University freshman Ahmed Albitar won in his first career match at No. 1 singles and the Braves (8-10) breezed by Chicago State (0-16) with a 7-0 dual-match decision Friday afternoon at the David Markin Tennis Courts. Chicago State used only five players in Friday afternoon’s match, so the Braves began the day with a 1-0 lead and needed to win just one doubles match for a 2-0 advantage. Albitar teamed with sophomore Hamish Weerasinghe to quickly secure that second point as the Braves duo cruised to an 8-0 win at No. 2 doubles. After Kevin Keiner earned a 6-0, 6-3 win at No. 5 singles, Arthur Romanet secured the team victory minutes later with a 6-1, 6-0 win at No. 4 singles. The straight-set victories continued for the Braves with Weerasinghe claiming a 6-2, 6-0 win at No. 3, Albitar with a 6-4, 6-3 triumph at No. 1 and concluding with Ashton Kalhorn‘s 6-4, 6-3 win at No. 2. Justin Abrams was credited with a default victory at No. 6 singles.
-Bob
Creighton University freshman Bri Lingl was 4-for-7 with three runs batted in, including an eighth-inning home run in the nightcap, leading the visiting Bluejays (11-10, 2-0 MVC) to a doubleheader sweep at Bradley (10-14, 0-2 MVC) in Missouri Valley Conference softball action Saturday afternoon at Laura Bradley Park. With the score tied, 1-1, the Braves had a chance to earn a walk-off win in the second game after center fielder Julie Sherman legged out a 1-out single and took second on a Jackie Roth sacrifice bunt. Creighton pitched around catcher Bailiegh Basham, who drew five walks in the doubleheader, setting the stage for Madeline Lynch-Crumrine. The sophomore designated player delivered with a line drive single into left field, but Creighton’s Ellen Homan fielded the ball on one hop and her throw home beat Sherman to force the extra inning. Click here for Final Stats: Game #1 Box Score, Game #2 Box Score.
-Bob
