The fifth-seeded Benedictine University Mesa men's soccer team opened the GSAC Tournament with a dominant 3-1 road victory over fourth-seeded Arizona Christian on Monday evening at ACU Soccer Field, advancing to the conference semifinals. 

The Redhawks controlled much of the match, outshooting the Firestorm 19-12 and holding a 6-4 advantage in shots on goal. 

After weathering early pressure from Arizona Christian, Benedictine broke through in the 29th minute when Kobe Bewicke converted a penalty kick to give the Redhawks a 1-0 lead. The goal stood as the lone score of the opening half despite several dangerous opportunities from the Firestorm. 

The Redhawks doubled their advantage early in the second half when Shay Carey found the back of the net in the 52nd minute off of an assist from Sander Kuehn, pushing the lead to 2-0. 

Arizona Christian answered just over seven minutes later as Nathan Tchiakpe scored in the 60th minute to cut the deficit to one goal, but Benedictine remained in control and continued creating chances in the attacking third. 

After rattling the post minutes earlier, Kobe Bewicke put the match away in the 85th minute, finishing a pass from Ryder Skolka to restore a two-goal cushion and secure the 3-1 playoff victory. Bewicke finished the night with two goals on a match-high eight shots, while Carey added a goal and an assist. 

In goal, Charlie Shepherd made three saves as Benedictine limited Arizona Christian to four shots on target. 

With the victory, the Redhawks advance to the GSAC Tournament Semifinals and will travel to Prescott, Arizona, on Thursday to face first-seeded Embry-Riddle. Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m.