The Benedictine University Mesa women's volleyball team closed out its 2026 campaign on Friday night, falling to Park University Gilbert in straight sets at AZ Athletic Grounds.
Despite the final score, Benedictine battled throughout the match and pushed the Buccaneers to the limit in the final two sets before ultimately falling by scores of 25-15, 25-23, and 25-23.
After dropping the opening set, the Redhawks responded with one of their most efficient offensive performances of the night in the second. Benedictine hit .370 in the frame and stayed within striking distance throughout. Trailing 22-20 late, the Redhawks received key kills from BellaRose Branconier and Kylie Malone to pull within a point at 24-23, but Park Gilbert was able to secure the set and take a 2-0 lead in the match.
The third set proved to be the most competitive, featuring 11 ties and six lead changes. Benedictine erased a three-point deficit late in the set and took a 23-22 advantage behind strong serving from Ashley Estrada and timely kills from Sophie Drollinger, Malone, and Camille Collins. The Buccaneers responded with three consecutive points to claim the set and the match.
Marley Cortez led the Redhawks offensively with eight kills while posting an impressive .571 hitting percentage and adding four total blocks. Malone also recorded eight kills, and Drollinger contributed five kills, 10 digs, five service aces, and three blocks in a well-rounded performance.
Kiara Milar and Taylee Wilson directed the Benedictine offense, combining for 27 assists. Milar finished with 14 assists, one ace, and three digs, while Wilson added 13 assists. Adina Ortiz contributed six digs on defense.
As a team, the Redhawks recorded 31 kills, eight service aces, and nine blocks while keeping pressure on the Buccaneers throughout the match. Although the season came to a close, Benedictine showed resilience and competitiveness until the final point of the year.
