The Benedictine Mesa Women's Basketball team secured a dramatic last-second victory over Saint Katherine on Thursday night, clinching the win with a score of 48-46.
 
The game commenced with Saint Katherine establishing a 7-point lead, but Raenesha Willis stopped their momentum with a crucial layup, putting BenU on the scoreboard. The Redhawks managed to level the game, but the first quarter witnessed a back-and-forth exchange of leads, concluding with Saint Katherine in the lead at 15-13.
 
In the second quarter, the Redhawks briefly took the lead twice, only to have Saint Katherine reclaim it each time. Despite a low-scoring quarter for the Redhawks, tallying only 7 points, they excelled in rebounds and steals with 12 and 6, respectively. Nevertheless, Saint Katherine maintained the lead at halftime, with a score of 26-20.
 
After halftime, Benedictine returned determined to narrow the gap. By the 5-minute mark, they had reduced the deficit to 2 points, but Saint Katherine held on. The third quarter ended with BenU tying the game at 35-35.
 
In the decisive fourth quarter, Benedictine seized the lead and fiercely defended it. Although the Firebirds regained the lead twice, the Redhawks responded assertively. In the final moments, Nyah Henderson's crucial layup secured the 48-46 victory for BenU, preventing the game from going into overtime.
 
Key Players:

• Alize Ruiz delivered an outstanding performance, achieving a double-double with 17 rebounds and 16 points, marking a rebound season high for the junior. Ruiz also contributed with 1 block and 2 steals.
• Maria Moore contributed 12 points, including the Redhawks' only two 3-pointers of the night. Moore also added 5 rebounds and 2 steals to her impressive performance.
• Nyah Henderson contributed 7 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 steal.

 
Looking Ahead: The Redhawk women will return to the court on Saturday, February 10, at CGCC against Westcliff University at 4:00 PM.