Oct. 11, 2003

FAIRFAX, VA ... George Mason scored early and the defense posted its third consecutive shutout as the Patriots defeated Villanova, 1-0, in a non-conference women's college soccer game Saturday at George Mason Stadium.

George Mason remained unbeaten (4-0-1) in its last five games as it improved to 7-2-3 with the victory, while Villanova lost for the third time in its last four contests to drop to 10-4. The Patriots entered the game ranked 10th in the NSCAA Mid-Atlantic Region poll, while the Wildcats were ranked fifth.

Villanova held an 11-2 advantage in shots on the night, but the Patriots got the one into the net they needed early in the first half. Sophomore Amy Alecci started the play with a pass forward into the left side of the penalty area to junior Sarah Wilkinson, who gathered the ball and sent a low shot toward the left post. Junior Dianna Russini redirected the ball past the Wildcats goalkeeper and inside the left post for her fourth goal of the year at 8:49.

The George Mason defense took over from there and posted its fourth shutout of the season and its third consecutive 1-0 victory. Junior goalkeeper Sarah Coughlin had four saves as she recorded her third full shutout and extended her scoreless streak to 365:05. Senior Chrissy Dolan did not have a save for the Wildcats.

George Mason returns to Colonial Athletic Association play next weekend as it travels to UNC Wilmington Thursday and Virginia Commonwealth Saturday, with both games scheduled for 7 p.m.

GAME SUMMARY

					1	2	F
Villanova (10-4-0)			0	0	0
George Mason (7-2-3)			1	0	1

GOALS:	        VU - None
(Assists)	GMU - Dianna Russini (Sarah Wilkinson / Amy Alecci), 8:49
SHOTS:		VU - 11
		GMU - 2
SAVES:		VU - Chrissy Dolan - 0 (90 minutes)
		GMU - Sarah Coughlin - 4 (90 minutes); Team saves - 1
CORNERS:	VU - 3
		GMU - 2
FOULS:		VU - 18
		GMU - 20
CAUTIONS:	VU - Laura Johnson (36:11), Laura Koch (85:09)
		GMU - None