Benedictine Mesa Women Volleyball were defeated by #20 Montana Tech in an intense 5 set match. The final set scores were 13-25, 25-13, 25-23, 14-25, and 11-15.
 
In a tough opening set against Montana, Benedictine Mesa started strong with a block by Railey Druxman and Hailey White, but Montana quickly answered back with several kills. Despite a few standout moments from Benedictine, including kills by Kylie Bartel and Megan Hicks, Montana's consistent offense gave them control of the set. A series of errors by Benedictine and strong plays by Montana widened the gap, and despite a valiant effort by the Redhawks, Montana took the first set 25-13.
 
In the second set, Benedictine Mesa came out strong, with a string of kills from Kylie Bartel and Hailey White, putting them ahead early. An ace by Bartel and consistent play from setter Vivianna Galvan helped extend the lead to 8-4. Benedictine's defense, led by blocks from Megan Hicks and Amanda Klotz, stifled Montana's attack. The Redhawks maintained momentum with key kills from Railey Druxman and Gracelynn Nez, closing out the set in dominant fashion, 25-13, to even the match at 1-1.
 
In the third set, Benedictine Mesa battled through a back-and-forth start before gaining momentum behind a series of kills from Kylie Bartel and strong setting from Vivianna Galvan. With key blocks from Hailey White and Megan Hicks, the Redhawks extended their lead to 16-12. Despite a late push from Montana Tech, Benedictine held their ground, thanks to a crucial kill from Megan Hicks and a service ace by Bartel. After a timeout, Hailey White delivered the final blow, securing the set 25-23 and putting Benedictine in a commanding position in the match.
 
In the fourth set, Benedictine Mesa started strong with blocks from Railey Druxman and Gracelynn Nez, as well as key kills from Kylie Bartel and Hailey White, building an early 9-5 lead. However, Montana Tech responded fiercely, capitalizing on Benedictine errors and a series of kills, causing the Redhawks to call multiple timeouts. Despite a late service ace from Lily Setka and a kill from Bartel, Montana Tech's momentum proved too much, and they surged ahead to win the set 25-14, forcing a decisive fifth set.
 
In a tightly contested fifth set, Benedictine Mesa fought hard with key kills from Amanda Klotz, Gracelynn Nez, and Kylie Bartel, jumping to a 6-3 lead. Montana Tech pushed back, leveling the score at 6-6, but Benedictine regained their edge with a block from Railey Druxman and Klotz to go up 8-7. Despite several errors, the Redhawks continued battling, with Bartel and Jewel Carling securing crucial points. However, Montana Tech capitalized on Benedictine's late attack errors to pull ahead, winning the set 15-11 and securing the match victory.
 
Key Individuals:
Kylie Bartel: 17 kills, 3 aces, 2 blocks, and 15 digs. 
Railey Druxman: 10 kills, 1 ace, 5 blocks, and 13 digs. 
Megan Hicks: 6 kills, 3 blocks, and 4 digs. 
 
Looking Ahead: The Redhawks are back on the court on Thursday, October 17^th as they head to Arizona Christion.