Even with a number of starters getting a much-deserved break on Friday, Bradford gave powerhouse Antioch (Ill.) a battle before falling 2-1 in a non-conference game at McMillen Field.

It was the first loss of the season for the top-ranked Red Devils (18-1).

Ranked No. 5 in the Illinois Coaches Association Class 3A state poll, Antioch improved to 27-2.

“It was exciting to see many of our subs and junior varsity call-ups step up and play toe-to-to with a team as powerful as Antioch,” Bradford coach John P. Ruffolo said.

Olivia Duehr and Ashley Mysliwiec teamed up for a one-hitter with no walks and 12 strikeouts.

Bradford starter Brianna Vela (1-1) tossed a seven-hit complete game with one walk and two strikeouts.

“Brianna pitched solidly in her second start of the season,” Ruffolo said. “She kept the ball down and we played solid defense behind her.”

Allie Antilla gave the Sequoits a 1-0 lead with a home run in the first inning.

Bradford tied it up in the fourth when Celena Perez led off with a double, advanced to third on a sacrifice by Jodi Vanderford and scored on Courtney Mercier’s grounder to short.

Antioch took the lead in the fifth on a walk, single, sacrifice bunt and two-out single.

Ruffolo commended the defensive play of Perez (third base), Vanderford (catcher) and Kacie Cecchi (shortstop).

The Red Devils resume play in the winner’s bracket of the Southeast Showcase Tournament today at Little League Park. Bradford play New Berlin Eisenhower (No. 3 in Division-2) at 9 a.m., while Badger plays Germantown. The winners and losers will then square off at 11 a.m.