Jan. 21, 2006

Box Score

Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico - The George Mason men's volleyball team finished up the trip to Puerto Rico with a victory over the University of Puerto Rico-Rio Piedras Friday night.

Mason won all three games in the match to improve to 3-0 on the season. Despite the seemingly easy victory, head coach Fred Chao said the team didn't play up to its full potential in the match.

"Guys were tired, they scraped and scrapped their way to victory," Chao said.

The trip to Puerto Rico included an exhibition victory Wed. against Sagrado, followed up by two non-conference wins against the University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez and the University of Puerto Rico-Rio Piedras. Chao said the lessons learned on the trip should help his team's confidence heading into the rest of the season.

"Playing in front of a hostile and enthusiastic crowd showed the guys how to compete and keep their composure," Chao said.

The men's volleyball team will compete again at the Patriot Games Tournament Jan. 26-28 at the John Linn Memorial Gym. In addition to Mason, the University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez, Saint Francis (Pa.) and Rutgers-Newark will all compete at the tourney. On Jan. 26 and 27, admission to the tournament is $5 for adults, $2 for youth and senior citizens and $1 per ticket for groups of 10 or more. On Jan. 28, admission will be $7 for adults, $4 for youth and senior citizens and $3 per ticket for groups of 10 or more. Group tickets must be purchased in advance by calling the ticket office at (703) 993-3270.