Sept. 14, 2006

FAIRFAX, Va. - After dropping their first two conference matches on the road last weekend, George Mason (3-5, 0-2 CAA) returns home to John Linn Memorial Gym this weekend in search of their first conference victory as they face CAA rivals UNC Wilmington (5-6, 0-2 CAA) on Friday at 7 p.m. and Georgia State (3-6, 1-1 CAA) on Saturday at 5 p.m.

The last time Mason played at home was during the Brion's Grille Patriot Invitational Tournament on Sept. 1-2. The Patriots were crowned champions of the tournament, finishing with a 2-1 record in their only home matches of the season thus far. Historically, George Mason has excelled in home matches, posting a 185-85 record over 22 seasons. Since the team began playing its home matches at John Linn Memorial Gym, the Patriots have recorded a losing home record in a season a mere three times.

Friday's match will pit a pair of teams entering the night on a three-match losing streak and searching for their first conference victory of the season. Both teams currently own an 0-2 record in conference play. UNCW has been dangerous with its serve throughout this season, ranking first in the conference and 29th in the nation in aces per game with an average of 2.41. The Seahawks served up a conference team single-match high 20 aces in their win over South Carolina State on Aug. 24.

The Patriots are among the CAA leaders in blocks per game, ranking fourth in the conference with an average of 2.36. Senior middle blocker Chantal Bodkin-Clarke has been a standout all season long, leading the team and ranking third in the conference with an average of 1.36 blocks per game.

Mason split the season series with UNC Wilmington last season, winning in three games at home, but falling in five games on the road. Despite last season's loss, the Patriots hold a 29-9 record in the all-time series against the Seahawks.

The Patriots will finish up the weekend with a match against the Georgia State Panthers on Saturday. Georgia State played at home last weekend, splitting a pair of matches against William and Mary and VCU. The Panthers downed the Tribe in five games, before losing to the Rams in three.

Senior libero Christen Garcia is chasing the Georgia State career record for digs. After last weekend's matches, Garcia had 1,303 digs in her career, second to only Kumi Ishiyama in the Panthers' record book. Garcia ranks fourth in the conference in digs per game with an average of 4.58.

The Patriots dropped both matches against the Panthers last season, falling in three games in both meetings. Last year's matches were the only two meetings in the all-time series between the two teams.

Tickets can be purchased at John Linn Memorial Gym the day of the match at a rate of $5 for adults and $2 for youth and senior citizens.