March 18, 2005

Box Score

Los Angeles, Calif. - The 15th-ranked George Mason men's volleyball team continued its West Coast swing on Thursday night as Mason faced its toughest challenge of the season, playing at top-ranked UCLA. The No. 1 Bruins' service game and strong hitting proved too much of a challenge as Mason, playing its third straight match against a ranked team, fell 30-24, 30-21, 30-23.

The Patriots hit the ball well in the first game, compiling a .320 hitting percentage. But UCLA hit .478 in the game and hit better than .300 in all three games. Most importantly, the Bruins were able to dictate the match from the service line, service 11 aces with 16 errors. Mason had 17 errors but just one service ace.

R.J. Goubeaux had a stellar match, hitting .667 with a team-high nine kills. Felix Campos had nine kills while Shaun Powell and Hudson Bates each had eight kills. Dave Egan had 35 assists and Bates and Sheppard each had six digs. Paul Johnson led UCLA with 10 kills and a .692 hitting percentage.

Mason played at No. 9 Cal State Northridge on Wednesday night and hosted No. 14 Lewis on Saturday. The road trip ends on Friday night after the Patriots take on NAIA powerhouse California Baptist.