The Benedictine Mesa Men's Volleyball Team battled hard but fell to No. 2 Saint Xavier in three sets, with final scores of 18-25, 18-25, and 20-25.
Set 1
The Redhawks came out strong in the opening set, jumping to a quick 2-0 lead behind a service ace from Dapre Rogers and a block by John Jakaitis and Trevor Weinert. Landon Fuller and Josh Beymer delivered key kills to keep Benedictine in front at 9-8. However, Saint Xavier responded with a strong offensive surge, taking advantage of attack errors and key plays from Matt Pennala and Caydann Cox. Despite late kills from Fuller and Weinert to close the gap, the Cougars held on to take the first set, 25-18.
Set 2
Benedictine fought to even the match in the second set but fell short, 25-18. Saint Xavier jumped out to an early 5-1 lead, capitalizing on BENU's attack errors. The Redhawks answered with back-to-back kills from Fuller off assists from Jakaitis, pulling within one at 6-7. However, Saint Xavier regained control with a service ace from Pennala and another kill from Cox. Benedictine continued to battle, with strong plays from Ben Turcinec and Rogers, but the Cougars maintained their edge. A late timeout at 16-10 aimed to shift momentum, but Saint Xavier closed the set with a service ace to take a 2-0 lead.
Set 3
The Redhawks put up a fight in a tightly contested third set but ultimately fell, 25-20. After an early Saint Xavier lead, Weinert and Rogers responded with key plays to keep Benedictine within striking distance. However, Saint Xavier capitalized on BENU's attack errors, stretching their advantage to 16-11. A late surge featuring back-to-back kills from Rogers and Jakaitis gave the Redhawks hope, but the Cougars held firm. A final kill from Pennala sealed the match for Saint Xavier.
Key Performers
Looking Ahead
The Redhawks return to action on Saturday, February 15, facing Olivet Nazarene University on the road.
