Benedictine University Mesa battled Peru State through four competitive sets but fell 3-1 on Thursday. After dropping the opening set 25-16, the Redhawks responded with a dominant 25-17 victory in the second before Peru State claimed the final two sets, 25-21 and 25-22, to secure the match.

Peru State used a strong service run early in the first set to build separation and take a 1-0 lead in the match. Benedictine answered in the second frame behind an outstanding stretch from Adina Ortiz, who served back-to-back aces during a six-point run that helped the Redhawks open a 9-3 advantage. Sophie Drollinger paced the attack throughout the set, recording multiple kills as BENU evened the match at one set apiece with a 25-17 win.

The third set featured several momentum swings. Benedictine held an early 10-8 lead after kills from Taylee Wilson and Janae Moore, but Peru State rallied with a late run to pull ahead. The Redhawks battled back from a seven-point deficit and trimmed the margin to 21-20, but Peru State closed the set with four of the final five points to win 25-21.

Benedictine came out strong in the fourth, racing to a 6-0 lead behind aggressive play at the net and several Peru State errors. The home team gradually worked their way back into the set and eventually erased the deficit. With the score tied at 20-20 late in the frame, Peru State used a 5-2 run to finish the set, 25-22, and clinch the match.

Marley Cortez led the Redhawks offensively with several key kills, while Drollinger delivered a strong all-around performance and helped spark Benedictine's second-set victory. Wilson directed the offense with multiple assists while also contributing kills and a service ace. Kylie Malone, Camille Collins, and Janae Moore also provided important points and blocks throughout the match.