Aug. 23, 2007
2007 Season Preview: Women's Volleyball Seeks Return To CAA Dominance
FAIRFAX, Va. - The George Mason women's volleyball team opens the 2007 regular season this Friday when it hosts day one of the D.C. Volleyball Challenge. The Patriots will square off against George Washington at 7 p.m. in Linn Memorial Gym. At 5 p.m., the American Eagles and Georgetown Hoyas will play the opening match of the tournament at Linn Gym.
Friday's match is the first of three dates in 2007 which will be played at Linn Gym. Following the Patriot Invitational Tournament on September 1, all remaining home matches will be held at the Recreation Sports Complex (Fieldhouse), while Linn Gym is undergoing renovations.
After losing just three starters following last season, the Patriots are geared up for a run at the CAA Championship in 2007. Leading the way is senior Jaqueline Kohler, who led the Patriots' attack all season long, ranking third in the conference in kills per game with an average of 4.33 and sixth in the conference in points per game with an average of 4.80. Kohler, an All-CAA second team selection, is one of two returning conference honorees. Sophomore Rebecca Walter was named to the All-Rookie Team following an outstanding freshman campaign.
Two newcomers join the Patriots in 2007, as freshmen Fernanda Bartels and Holly Goode begin their careers at Mason. Goode, who played both volleyball and basketball in high school, has the ability to play a number of positions due to her athleticism. Bartels, the daughter of former pro volleyball player Blenda Bartels, will challenge for time at the setter spot.
Tickets, which include admission to both matches, 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.
Mason vs. The Field All-Time: American (21-12; .636), Georgetown (10-13; .435), George Washington (7-17; .292)
Scouting American: The Eagles return all but one player in 2007 as they seek to continue their success from last season, in which they finished 25-7 with a perfect 14-0 record in the Patriot League, including their sixth straight Patriot League Tournament championship.
Scouting Georgetown: GU will open its season in Fairfax looking to jumpstart 2007 at the DC Volleyball Challenge with some fresh faces, as the Hoyas lost five starters from last year's 8-19 squad.
Scouting George Washington: The Colonials will look to repeat after winning the 2006 DC Volleyball Challenge with a perfect 3-0 record. This year's squad returns three starters, including 2006 All-Rookie Team selection Abby Syverson.
Up Next: The DC Volleyball Challenge continues tomorrow at Bender Arena in Washington. Mason will face host American at 11 a.m., followed by a match against Georgetown at 5 p.m. The Patriots' next home match will be Wednesday as they host Villanova, with first serve set for 7 p.m. at Linn Gym.
