Benedictine Mesa Women's Basketball falls to #19 Arizona Christian in GSAC opener, 49-92.

1st Quarter
The Redhawks opened their GSAC Conference campaign with intensity, as Xaria Culver sank a quick jumper at 9:47 to give Benedictine Mesa an early 2-0 lead. While Arizona Christian quickly responded, Maria Moore and Alize Ruiz kept the Redhawks in contention with pivotal baskets, including Ruiz reclaiming the lead with a jumper at 6:59. Defensive efforts by Alexia Wilcox, highlighted by a block and rebound, slowed Arizona Christian briefly, but the Firestorm surged late to take a narrow 14-18 lead by the end of the quarter. Ruiz established herself as a force in the paint, while Moore energized the team on both ends of the floor.

2nd Quarter
The second quarter saw Benedictine Mesa battling back. Ruiz tied the game early with a pair of baskets, while Olivia Arvallo drained a clutch three-pointer at 8:38, assisted by Wilcox, to give the Redhawks a 21-18 lead. Mya Johnson followed with another three-pointer, and Moore's triple extended the advantage to 30-21. However, Arizona Christian responded with back-to-back three-pointers late in the quarter. Despite strong play from Ruiz and Moore, the Firestorm surged ahead in the final minute, taking a 34-41 lead into halftime.

3rd Quarter
Benedictine faced offensive challenges in the third quarter, struggling to find rhythm against Arizona Christian's defensive intensity. Missed three-point attempts and turnovers allowed the Firestorm to extend their lead. Ruiz continued to fight, scoring a late jumper, but Arizona Christian capitalized on fast-break opportunities and second-chance points to build a commanding 62-38 lead by the end of the quarter.

4th Quarter
In the final period, the Redhawks showed resilience through strategic substitutions and determined play. Mya Johnson and Maria Moore contributed points, while late efforts by Dyamond Butler-Worle and Xaria Culver demonstrated the team's determination. Despite these efforts, Arizona Christian's sharp shooting and cohesive team play secured the 92-49 victory.

Key Players:

• Alize Ruiz: 17 points, 16 rebounds, 2 steals
• Maria Moore: 9 points, 2 rebounds, 2 steals, 1 block
• Xaria Culver: 6 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal

Looking Ahead
The Redhawks return to the court on Thursday, January 9th, traveling to California to face Hope International.