CHICAGO (April 7, 2021) - Loyola University Chicago (5-19, 1-7 MVC) wraps up a seven-game homestand this weekend when it hosts Missouri Valley Conference in-state rival Bradley, April 10 and 11. The Ramblers have struggled at home and have faltered in eight straight games, including all four this year, at Loyola Softball Park dating back to the 2019 season.

The Ramblers, who have suffered a remarkable seven walk-off losses this spring, are mired in their worst losing skid (eight games) since falling in 10 consecutive games, April 10 through 23, 2016. 

Over the last three outings Loyola has been out-scored 25-1 and the Ramblers are just 2-9 versus teams from the state of Illinois this season.

Senior first baseman Allyson Ivey is batting .436 (17-for-39) with four doubles, two home runs and 11 RBI over the last 13 contests. The right-handed hitter has hit safely in 13 of the last 16 contests, totaling six multi-hit efforts in that stretch.

Loyola – Bradley – The Series

The Ramblers and Braves are matching up for the 39th time and Bradley holds a 26-12 advantage in the all-time series. Loyola is only 3-14 (.176) against Bradley since joining the MVC for the 2014 campaign, and since becoming a Valley member, is 1-4 versus the Braves when playing at Loyola Softball Park. Last spring, the Ramblers were scheduled to play at Bradley, March 14 and 15, but those were the first games canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. When the teams last met, March 31 and April 1, 2019 in Chicago, the Braves swept the three-game series, out-scoring Loyola, 28-10. 

Scouting Bradley

After dropping its previous four contests, Bradley brings a three-game winning streak into this weekend's three-game series in Chicago. The Braves are 2-5 in true road games this season, with both wins coming at East Tennessee State last month, and are winless in three Missouri Valley Conference road tilts this spring. Sophomore shortstop Lucy Mead is batting a team-best .358 (19-for-53) and has swiped six bases for Bradley, which gets offensive support from first baseman Stacia Seeton, who has mashed two home runs and driven in 13 runs. Righthander Grace French has compiled a 5-4 record with a 3.94 ERA in the pitching circle.

Up Next

Loyola travels to Notre Dame for a single game on April 13.