Benedictine University Mesa women's volleyball earned a straight-set conference victory over Embry-Riddle on Friday evening, defeating the Eagles 25-14, 25-19, 25-18 inside Eagle Gym.
Benedictine controlled the opening set from the start. After taking a 3-1 advantage, the Redhawks went on a six-point run behind the serving of
Adina Ortiz, who recorded four service aces during the stretch to help build a 9-1 lead. Benedictine continued to pull away and closed the opening frame with a 25-14 victory.
The second set was the closest of the match, featuring seven ties and five lead changes. With the score tied at 7-7, Benedictine began to create separation and eventually took a 16-11 advantage. Embry-Riddle cut the deficit to one at 19-18, but the Redhawks responded by scoring six of the final seven points to secure the set 25-19.
Marley Cortez finished the frame with the set-winning kill.
Benedictine once again came out quickly in the third set, racing to an 8-0 advantage. The Eagles battled back and pulled within two at 16-14, but the Redhawks answered with a 9-4 closing stretch.
Camille Collins helped finish the match, recording a kill to give Benedictine match point before combining the final point with a block in the 25-18 victory.
Marley Cortez led the Redhawks offensively with 10 kills, while
Sophie Drollinger added nine kills, 11 digs and two service aces.
Camille Collins delivered an efficient performance with six kills and no errors on 13 attacks for a .462 hitting percentage.
Kylie Malone added six kills and seven digs.
Taylee Wilson led Benedictine with 18 assists and added six digs, while
Adina Ortiz contributed 13 digs, six assists and a match-high four service aces. The Redhawks finished with nine aces as a team while holding Embry-Riddle to a .106 hitting percentage. Benedictine hit .214 with 37 kills and collected 57 digs in the sweep.
