Game vs. Campbellsville
The Benedictine Mesa men's volleyball team battled through three competitive sets but fell to Campbellsville University, 32–30, 25–16, 25–23, on Friday night.
The Redhawks opened strong in a back-and-forth first set, trading points through long rallies and multiple lead changes.
John Jakaitisdistributed the offense effectively, connecting with
Ethan Russel,
Raphael Mkpegue, and
Joseph Washington to keep Benedictine within striking distance. Late kills by Russel and Mkpegue helped fend off several set points before Campbell edged out the 32–30 win.
Benedictine continued to compete in the second set behind consistent net play from Mkpegue and Washington, while
Ryder Kelley and
Chase Jensen extended rallies defensively. A mid-set service run allowed Campbell to pull away and take the set, 25–16.
The Redhawks responded in the third set with renewed energy, using a service ace from Jensen and efficient swings from Russel to stay close throughout. Trailing late, Benedictine closed the gap to 24–23, but Campbell secured the final point to complete the sweep.
Key Players vs. Campbellsville
Game vs. Reinhardt
Benedictine continued its weekend slate later Friday but came up short against Reinhardt University in three close sets, 27–25, 25–22, 25–23.
The opening set featured tight play throughout, with Benedictine striking first on an early kill from
Chase Jensen. Strong middle production from Mkpegue and timely scoring from
Joseph Washington and Russel kept the Redhawks even. Benedictine reached set point at 25–24, but Reinhardt closed on a late run to take the opener.
The Redhawks jumped ahead early in the second set behind aggressive serving, including a Jensen service ace, and steady offense from Russel and Washington. The set remained close late, but Reinhardt used a short run to pull away, 25–22.
Despite falling behind early in the third set, Benedictine mounted a comeback with contributions from
Jacob Saechao,
Blake Ross, and
Jayden Minarcik. Late blocks by Jensen and Washington tied the score at 20–20, and the Redhawks pushed to 24–23 before Reinhardt secured the final point.
Key Players vs. Reinhardt
Looking Ahead
The Redhawks return to action at home on
Monday, February 9, when they host
Westcliff.
