Nov. 8, 2008

Box Score

HARRISONBURG, Va. - In its final road contest of the 2008 season, the George Mason women's volleyball team snapped a six-match winless streak with a five-set triumph at James Madison on Saturday evening. Set scores were 25-23, 22-25, 23-25, 25-15, 15-6.

The Patriots improved to 7-18 and 3-9 in Colonial Athletic Association play, while the Dukes fell to 11-18, 4-8 in the conference.

Junior Rebecca Walter led the Mason effort with 19 kills and 11 digs for her sixth double-double of the season, while freshman Noelle Fanella joined her in double-digit kills as she chipped in 15. Sophomore Fernanda Bartels recorded a double-double as well as she tallied 48 assists and 11 digs.

Mason held major advantages in two offensive categories, as the Patriots out-hit the Dukes by a .336-to-.168 margin and dominated at the net, recording 11 blocks to JMU's three. Leading the way for the Patriots was junior Laura Turner, who had six total blocks.

The Patriots never trailed in the opening set as they began the match on a 5-1 scoring run. JMU was able to pull within one point on two separate occasions in the match, but the Patriots prevented the tie as they earned the early one-set lead.

JMU took set two and three, though, to gain control of the match. However, the Patriots used a scorching .480 attack in the fourth set to force the fifth set. Again, Mason never trailed in the fourth set and used a 7-1 run midway through the stanza to pull away for good.

Mason had a hot start in the fifth set, scoring the first four points to take the early lead. Mason preserved its advantage throughout and, leading by four at 10-6, rattled off five points in a row to seal the victory.

The Patriots return home to close out the 2008 season on Senior Weekend next Friday and Saturday, when they host UNC Wilmington and Georgia State at the Field House. Both matches are scheduled to begin at 7 p.m.