Feb. 19, 2005

Box Score

The George Mason men's volleyball team played its most relaxing match of the year on Saturday morning. The Patriots, playing at Mount Olive College, had a season-high 12 players take the court and they responded by combining for a .400 hitting percentage as 14th-ranked Mason defeated Mount Olive, 30-18, 30-22, 30-20.

The Patriots remain the nation's only unbeaten Division I or II men's volleyball team.

Matt Steinfurth and Felix Campos each had 11 kills, Artutro Barreiro added nine kills and Graham Sheppard had six kills and a .625 hitting percentage. Sheppard also had 10 digs while Campos had eight digs and two service aces. Dave Egan and Billy Freesmeier combined for 42 assists and the Patriots had eight total blocks in the win.

Mount Olive was led by Julio Arnaiz and Michael Kren, who each had seven kills. Nonetheless, Mount Olive (0-4) was unable to mount much of an attack, as they hit just .073 in the match.

Junior outside hitter Shaun Powell, who has been the star of the team this year, played just one game, finishing with three kills, one dig and one service ace. Carlos Silen made his collegiate debut in the win, playing two games and finishing with two digs.

The Patriots (8-0) return to action next weekend, when they host University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez on Friday and Sunday. On Saturday, Mason will play an EIVA match against Princeton. Game times next weekend are Friday at 7 p.m., Saturday at 4 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m.