The Benedictine Mesa women's volleyball team came out strong Friday night, taking the opening set, but No. 20 The Master's rallied to claim a 3-1 GSAC victory (12-25, 25-18, 25-19, 25-18) inside the PEC.
The Redhawks put together an impressive first-set performance, hitting .333 while holding The Master's to just a .028 attacking percentage. Trailing 12-11, Benedictine closed the frame on a dominant 14-0 run highlighted by a pair of service aces from Adina Ortiz and two more from Sophie Drollinger. Kylie Malone and Marley Cortez combined for several key kills during the stretch as the Redhawks cruised to a 25-12 set win.
The Mustangs responded in the second set, using a mid-set run to build separation before holding on for a 25-18 victory to even the match. The Master's continued to gain momentum in the third set, overcoming a competitive effort from the Redhawks to take a 25-19 decision and move ahead 2-1 in the match.
In the fourth set, Benedictine battled early and held a 9-8 advantage after a kill from Sophie Drollinger. The Mustangs answered with a decisive run and maintained control the rest of the way, securing the 25-18 set win and the match.
Malone paced the Redhawk attack with 11 kills while posting a .324 hitting percentage and adding three block assists. Cortez finished with eight kills and two block assists, while Drollinger contributed six kills, 19 digs, and two service aces. Camille Collins led the net defense with five block assists, and Adina Ortiz recorded a team-high 19 digs to go along with two service aces. Taylee Wilson and Kiara Milar split the setting duties with 15 assists each. As a team, Benedictine recorded 38 kills, eight service aces, 54 digs, and five total blocks.
