Oct. 20, 2007

Box Score

FAIRFAX, Va. - The George Mason women's volleyball team gained an early 2-0 advantage and held off Virginia Commonwealth late to earn a 3-1 (30-26, 30-28, 26-30, 30-22) victory at the Mason Field House on Saturday evening. With the win, the Patriots (12-8, 5-3 CAA) have won five of their last six contests, while the Rams fall to 7-16, 3-6 in the conference.

Sophomores Rebecca Walter and Laura Turner chipped in 13 kills each to lead the Patriots offense, while junior Jourdan Dozier smashed her career mark with 12 kills on the evening. Mason continued its dominance at the net, out-blocking the Rams by a 12-6 margin, led by Turner's six total blocks.

Senior Jaqueline Kohler tied a game-high with 19 digs, while classmate Kristen Byler added 14. Freshman Fernanda Bartels, who led all setters with 37 assists, also slammed home four aces. VCU's offense was led by Ariel Newman, who earned a double-double with 19 kills and 15 digs.

Mason commanded the first game with a solid attack, expanding its advantage to as many as six points at 18-12. VCU responded effectively in the second game, jumping out to a 15-7 lead. The Patriots, however, mounted a furious comeback which netted a tie game at 28. An ace by junior Chelsea Kropp, followed by a Dozier kill sealed the win for the Patriots.

It was the Rams again who were strong out of the break in the third game, and with a margin that reached as wide as eight points, VCU was able to hold off another Mason charge to take a 30-26 win.

Mason countered in the fourth game by out-hitting the Rams .300-to-.222, as the Patriots opened on a 3-1 tear and never trailed again, cruising to the match victory.

Mason will look to match its season-best three-match win streak next weekend when it travels south to face UNC Wilmington and Georgia State. First serve against the Seahawks is scheduled for 7 p.m. Friday, while the Patriots and Panthers will do battle Sunday at 2 p.m.