The Basics
The Bulldog women are set for two more road matches in MVC play this weekend. Drake will visit Bradley on Mar. 29 before a trip to Illinois State on Mar. 30.
 
Bulldog Breakdown
After a mid-week sweep of Chicago State, the Bulldogs have slumped in their last four matches with defeats to Omaha at home, No. 53 Long Beach State and Call State Fullerton in California, and at Belmont to begin league play.
 
Despite the loss in its most recent bout at Belmont, Drake got an early lead in the match after winning the doubles point. Teams of Tess Caldicott/Nicole Lee and Jana Ruzic/Shiori Takeda triumphed in tandem action, but the Bruins went on to clean up in singles play for the 6-1 result.
 
Scouting the Competition
Drake and Bradley have squared off 22 times historically with the Dogs holding a 20-2 advantage. The Bulldogs have won the last four meetings since Bradley earned both of their wins in 2018 and 2021. Bradley is currently 1-12 overall and 0-1 in league action. The Braves have lost 11 straight with their only win coming at Western Illinois in early February. Most recently, the Braves squared off with Drake's other rival this weekend in a 5-2 Illinois State victory.
 
The Redbirds of Illinois State lead their all-time series with Drake by a 17-10 margin. Illinois State has won three of the last four meetings with Drake's most recent victory coming in Normal. The Redbirds are 8-6 on the year and 1-0 in MVC play after taking down Bradley. Illinois State also defeated Chicago State prior to their tilt with Bradley.
  
Up Next
Drake will host Valparaiso on Apr. 5 and UIC on Apr. 6 as its Missouri Valley Conference slate continues.