March 14, 2003
FAIRFAX, VA ... The George Mason University men's volleyball team has five players ranked in four statistical categories in the latest NCAA Division I-II statistics released Thursday afternoon.
Senior James Claney (Northbrook, IL/Glenbrook North) ranks second in the nation in blocking average for the second straight week. Averaging 1.65 blocks per game, he has been ranked in the nation's top 10 since national statistics were released four weeks ago. The four-year starter has posted five-or-more blocks in the last four consecutive matches, and in 13 of 17 matches this season.
Freshman Matt Steinfurth (Portsmouth, VA/Woodrow Wilson) drops five places in blocking average to tie for 20th this week with 1.16 blocks per game. The freshman starter has recorded multiple blocks in all but one match this season, and posted a double-double at then-No. 13 Ohio State with a season-high 10 blocks and 11 kills.
Junior Brad Kniewel (Ringwood, NJ/Lakeland Regional) falls three spots to rank ninth in dig average with 2.38 digs per game. Kniewel has contributed double-figure digs five times this season, including a career-high 23 versus New York University to set a George Mason rally-scoring era record.
Sophomore Dave Egan (Toronto, Canada/Senator O'Connor) moves into 15th place in assists average for the first time this season. Averaging 12.55 assists per game, Egan has posted 50-or-more assists in seven matches this season. In his first season as a starter, he recorded a career-high 67 assists in a win at New York University to rank fifth in George Mason rally-scoring era history.
Sophomore Felix Campos (Puerto Nuevo, Puerto Rico/Colegio San Antonio) makes his first appearance in the national rankings, coming in at 20th in ace average with 0.33 aces per game. He has posted an ace in all but four matches, with a season-high three to tie his career high versus then-No. 5 Lewis.
The George Mason men's volleyball team (10-7, 8-1 EIVA Tait) received two votes in the latest USA Today/American Volleyball Coaches Association Coaches Top-15 Poll. This is the second straight week the team has picked up votes. The Patriots return to action on Tuesday, March 18, versus conference-foe Princeton at home in the John Linn Memorial Gym at 7 p.m.
