SURPRISE, Ariz. – The OUAZ women's volleyball team pulled off a thrilling five-set victory over Benedictine Mesa on Saturday afternoon in front of an energetic home crowd. After trading sets in a physical and emotional battle, the Spirit dug deep in the decisive frame—using clutch serving, powerful attacks, and a game-winning block from Delaney Wilson—to complete the comeback and secure one of their most hard-fought wins of the season.
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Set 1 (25-23): The opening set was a tight, back-and-forth battle as neither team was willing to give an inch. Both sides traded points and momentum throughout, keeping the energy high and the score close. Reegan Shoquist provided a boost from the service line with an ace, while Nina Peay, Delaney Wilson, and Jessica Pearce each tallied four kills to pace the Spirit offense. Despite the intensity, OUAZ stayed composed and competitive through every rally.
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Set 2 (25-17): The second set mirrored the first, with both teams battling point for point in another tight frame. Momentum shifted several times before the Spirit caught fire late, closing the set on an incredible 9-0 run to seize control. Lauren Wamsley fueled the surge with four kills, while Pearce made her presence felt at the net with two key blocks that helped shut down the Redhawks' attack.
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Set 3 (22-25): The Redhawks battled back in the third set, capitalizing on key moments to stay in front and extend the match. The Spirit continued to fight, with Wamsley contributing four kills, and Shoquist adding another ace from the service line. Gloria Moye provided a spark at the net with three kills, but OUAZ couldn't quite complete the comeback as Benedictine Mesa held on to take the set.
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Set 4 (21-25): The Redhawks carried their momentum into the fourth set, keeping the pressure on as the Spirit fought to stay alive. OUAZ showed resilience behind Hannah Allman's strong play, as she delivered an ace and added three kills to keep the offense moving. Pearce matched with three kills of her own, but Benedictine Mesa maintained its rhythm down the stretch to take the set and secure the match victory.
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Set 5 (20-18): The deciding set was loud, intense, and filled with energy as both teams left everything on the court. The Spirit rose to the moment, fueled by clutch performances in the final points. Rainaud and Allman each delivered an ace, while Allman and Pearce powered the attack with four kills apiece. With the crowd on its feet, Wilson sealed the victory with a game-winning block, capping off a thrilling finish and a hard-fought win for OUAZ over the Redhawks.
It was a record-setting night for the Spirit, who broke two school marks in the win. As a team, OUAZ recorded nine solo blocks, the most in a single match in program history, showcasing their dominance and discipline at the net. Jessica Pearce led the defensive effort, finishing with four solo blocks—a performance that ties her for first all-time in OUAZ history for solo blocks in a single match. The milestone effort reflected the team's relentless energy and defensive presence throughout the night.
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The Spirit will remain at home for their upcoming match against Park Gilbert (AZ) on Wednesday, October 8th at 6:00 PM (MST).
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