The Benedictine University Mesa women's volleyball team opened strong and never looked back on the way to a convincing 3-0 sweep of Justice, winning by scores of 25-17, 25-15, and 25-15.
The Redhawks controlled the match from the opening serve, racing out to a 3-0 lead in the first set behind a kill from
BellaRose Branconier and forcing Justice to play from behind throughout the frame. Benedictine extended its advantage with service aces from
Haley Azzoz and Dominxie Celaya, while
Camille Collins,
Kylie Malone, and
Sophie Drollinger provided a balanced offensive attack. Although Justice trimmed the deficit to 15-10 midway through the set, the Redhawks responded with a 10-7 run to close out the opener at 25-17. Drollinger delivered the set-clinching kill off an assist from
Taylee Wilson.
Benedictine carried its momentum into the second set, jumping out to a 4-1 lead and steadily building separation. Azzoz and libero,
Adina Ortiz, each contributed service aces, while
Janae Moore, Branconier, Malone, and Drollinger produced key kills to keep the offense rolling. A late 5-1 surge pushed the Redhawks ahead 22-11 before they finished off the set, 25-15. Branconier recorded the final kill, and Drollinger capped the frame with a service ace.
The third set was the most competitive early on, with Justice holding a brief 6-4 advantage. Benedictine quickly answered behind kills from Malone, Drollinger,
Marley Cortez, and Moore, while Celaya and Azzoz ignited scoring runs from the service line. After taking a 10-7 lead, the Redhawks never relinquished control. Back-to-back aces from Azzoz highlighted an eight-point stretch that put the set out of reach, and Benedictine closed the match with consecutive points from Cortez and Drollinger to secure the 25-15 victory.
The Redhawks are back on the court on Thursday, August 27
th as they head to Nebraska to take on Peru State College.
