The Bradley softball team makes its first N–C–double–A Tournament appearance in program history Friday.
The Braves face DePaul at 2–30 the University of Missouri in Columbia. It's the next step in an unlikely run for B–U.

When Bradley celebrated their Missouri Valley Tournament title win over Creighton, it was their 9th straight win.

"I don't know if you can pinpoint one specific thing," said senior outfielder Alycia Bachkora. " Birdy has stepped up her game pitching–wise and I think every game we've played a different person in the batting order has stepped–up and as a team we've really come together."

"We just can't lose," said senior pitcher Ashley Birdsong. " I mean, they just, um, knock on wood I guess. They just play awesome defense. They're making diving catches, they're hitting the ball like crazy. We're hot right now, and I totally give the credit to my teammates. They're amazing. They're talking to me, and keeping me loose."

Even with the hot streak, the Braves are still a game under five–hundred for the season....they don't resemble the team they were a month ago, making them a tough team to scout.

" I definitely think so," said Bradley softball coach Amy Hayes. " I was just looking at the stats and what I think it shows on paper is not who we are right now. That's a good thing for us."

The Braves are very familiar with their regional partners, having played DePaul, Illinois, and Missouri in the last calendar year.

"I think that’s extremely helpful," said Birdsong. " We played DePaul in the fall. It was an extremely close game and we only lost 1-nothing. Mizzou we’ve played before and beat. We’ve beaten Illinois so I just think this is a good bracket. We know these teams and I think it’s good that we’re close to home. We’re going to have a lot of support. I think we’re just gonna stay hot. Right now we’re hot!"