Feb. 26, 2005

Box Score

The George Mason men's volleyball team discovered something important about itself on Saturday afternoon against Princeton. The Patriots discovered that even when they're off their game, if they keep applying the pressure, good things will happen. The lesson came at the expense of Princeton, which fell to the 13th-ranked Patriots, 30-27, 30-24, 30-22.

Mason hit just .148 in the opening game and the passing wasn't phenomenal either. The Patriots survived because of solid blocking at the net and a willingness to get to the floor for digs. The second game saw Mason rediscover the style of play that has pushed them to a 10-0 start. The Patriots hit .423 in the second game and pulled away from Princeton over the final 15 points.

The third game saw Mason players have some fun, as outside hitter Hudson Bates and libero Graham Sheppard traded position for the game. The Tigers were unable to provide much of a rally as Mason separated itself early and never had to fend off a charge. Princeton fell to 2-7 and the Tigers are 1-4 in Eastern Intercollegiate Volleyball Association (EIVA) action. Mason is now 4-0 in EIVA play.

Shaun Powell had 11 kills and hit .400 in the match and Felix Campos had 10 kills, five digs and four block assists, along with two service aces. Matt Steinfurth had one solo block, seven block assists and four kills while Dave Egan added four kills, seven digs, 25 assists and four total blocks.

The Patriots are in action on Sunday when they play their third match in three days. Mason will face University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez, a team the Patriots beat on Friday night, 3-0.