Oct. 23, 2003
FAIRFAX, VA--George Mason University will see action at home this weekend in men's soccer, along with the men's and women's swimming and diving teams. Men's soccer (8-4-4) will compete against South Atlantic Region foe Loyola (7-5-3) on Oct. 25 at 7 p.m. at George Mason stadium, while the swimming and diving teams host Old Dominion for a dual meet at 1 p.m. the same day at the Aquatic and Fitness Center on Mason's campus.
The Patriots and Greyhounds renew a long-time rivalry as they meet for the first time since 1999, when Loyola took a 2-0 victory in Fairfax. The teams are tied at 8-8-2 in the all-time series, which dates back to 1972.
The Patriots enter the weekend ranked tied for 10th with UNC Wilmington in the South Atlantic Region poll. As a team, George Mason is ranked 29th in the nation for shutout percentage at 0.44 per game (seven in 16 contests).
Sophomore Steve Alabi, a second-team all-conference selection last season, leads the Patriot offense with 10 goals, four assists and 24 points, leading the CAA in points and tied for the league lead in goals. He is supported by junior Karim Manneh, who adds eight goals and 18 points, and junior Danny Climo, who is tied with Alabi for the team lead at four assists. Junior goalkeeper John O'Hara, a first-team All-CAA pick last year, has a 1.06 goals-against average and 46 saves.
Both swimming and diving teams competed at the Potomac Relays on Oct. 17 where the women's team finished second with 57 points, while the men placed third (63). The women's 300-yard breaststroke relay team comprised of junior Christy Anderson, freshman Liz Ouzts and junior Lexi Hatfield which captured a first place finish with a time of 3:27.25, while the 200-yard freestyle relay placed second (1:42.44) with sophomore Lacy Richardson, freshman Allison Ruyak, freshman Justine Blaho and junior Emily Welty competing for the Patriots.
On the men's side, the 200-yard freestyle relay of junior Eric Wellington, sophomore Matt McGillicuddy, senior Todd Long and junior Mike Peterson garnered a first-place finish with a time of 1:27.95, while the men's 500-yard freestyle relay finished second (4:16.24) with Wellington, Long, Peterson and senior Matt Boyle competing for Mason.
The women's swimming and diving team will see action prior to Saturday as they compete at Navy on Oct. 24 at 4 p.m.
