Feb. 25, 2008

RICHMOND, Va. - Freshman attacker Madalyn Jamison (Finksburg, Md./Westminster) scored the game-winning goal to lift the George Mason women's lacrosse team to an 11-10 upset of No. 9 Johns Hopkins in the season opener for both teams on Saturday afternoon at George Mason Stadium. The Colonial Athletic Association recognized Jamison for her outstanding debut at Mason by naming her the CAA Rookie of the Week today.

In the 15-year history of the women's lacrosse program, the Patriots have only defeated one other team more highly-ranked than Johns Hopkins was on Saturday. Mason defeated No. 6 James Madison 7-6 during the 2001 season. The Patriots finished that season ranked 18th by the IWLCA.

In the second half of Saturday's contest, George Mason had to withstand a furious comeback attempt by Johns Hopkins. The Blue Jays tied the score at nine on freshman Brianna Cronin's second goal of the game and took their first lead on sophomore Sam Schrum's fourth goal of the contest with 7:50 remaining.

Trailing 10-9, the Patriots answered when junior attacker Brittany Berger scored her second goal of the game with 5:10 remaining. After a couple minutes elapsed, Jamison fired a shot past Johns Hopkins' junior goalkeeper Amelia Harris to give Mason the lead at 11-10 with 2:39 left in the game. It was Jamison's second goal of the game, and proved to be the game-winner.

The CAA also announced its Player of the Week award winners on Monday. William and Mary's Jaime Sellers and Drexel's Lauren LaBella split the award.

George Mason plays again on Wednesday, Feb. 27 at 3:30 p.m. against No. 10 Georgetown in Washington, D.C.