Feb. 28, 2008

FAIRFAX, Va. - No. 17 George Mason (1-1) will attempt to continue its dominance over in-state rival Virginia Tech (1-3) when the two teams clash on Saturday at 1 p.m. at George Mason Stadium for the 12th time in the history of the school's women's lacrosse rivalry. The rivalry has been one-sided to this point, with the Patriots holding an 8-3 advantage in the all-time series which dates back to the 1995 season.

Despite holding a decided advantage in the all-time series, Mason will be seeking redemption after losing last year's contest by a goal, 8-7. Rachel Culp scored the game-winner with seven seconds left in regulation at the Virginia Tech Soccer/Lacrosse Stadium in Blacksburg, Va.

George Mason enters Saturday's contest nationally ranked in both the IWLCA and Inside Lacrosse polls. After upsetting then-No. 9 Johns Hopkins in the season opener last Saturday, the Patriots entered the IWLCA poll at No. 17 and the Inside Lacrosse poll at No. 20.

Mason hit the road for its second game of the season, taking on No. 9 Georgetown on Wednesday in Washington, D.C., falling by a final score of 14-7. Freshman attacker Madalyn Jamison has gotten off to a hot start this season, scoring twice in each game. She was named the CAA Rookie of the Week on Feb. 25 following Mason's win over Johns Hopkins.

The Hokies haven't fared so well early in the season, dropping their first three games before rebounding with an 11-7 win on Wednesday against William and Mary. Freshman midfielder Allie Emala leads the team with nine goals and eight draw controls. Senior attacker Kady McBrearty has seven goals and a team-high nine assists for a total of 16 points this season.

Tickets to the game will cost $5 for adults and $2 for youth and senior citizens. All full-time students enrolled at George Mason University will receive free admission with a valid student ID. Saturday's game will be the Broadside Game of the Week. All George Mason students in attendance will receive a free Mason key chain while supplies last.