Feb. 7, 2008

FAIRFAX, Va. - The 14th-ranked George Mason men's volleyball team returns home for the first time since Feb. 21 to take on a pair of tough MIVA opponents this weekend at the Fieldhouse. On Friday, the Patriots face Ball State and the next night Mason will take on No. 7 Ohio State. Both matches are slated to begin at 7 p.m. with Saturday's match being the annual Uvaldo Acosta Memorial Match.

Mason enters the weekend with a 5-2 overall record and a 1-1 mark in EIVA Tait Division matches after splitting a pair of conference matches on the road this past weekend. Friday's opponent Ball State enters the contest with a 5-6 overall record. However, the sub-.500 mark is deceiving as the Cardinals have played a tough early-season schedule with six matches against ranked opponents. Despite its losing record, Ball State is on the cusp of being ranked in the CSTV/AVCA Division I-II Men's Coaches Top 15 Poll with 13 votes in the latest poll.

Ohio State is ranked in the latest poll, moving up a spot to the seventh position. The Buckeyes and Patriots share three common early-season opponents, with both teams having played matches against IPFW, Loyola (Ill.) and St. Francis (Pa.). Ohio State holds a 3-0 record against the trio, while Mason is 1-2 against these three teams. The Buckeyes will play a road match at Rutgers-Newark on Friday before facing the Patriots.

Friday's match will be Mason Spirit Day. Fans wearing green or gold to the match will get in for the low price of $1. Saturday's match is the Broadside Game of the Week with all George Mason students in attendance receiving a free 32 oz. Sports Sipper while supplies last. It is also the annual Uvaldo Acosta Memorial Match and a ceremony will be held prior to the start of the match in honor of the George Mason men's volleyball legend. In celebration of George Mason men's volleyball Alumni Weekend, all fans in attendance will be able to receive great prizes and giveaways courtesy of Powerade and Sportrock Climbing Centers.

Tickets to the matches will cost $5 for adults and $2 for youth and senior citizens, unless fans wear green or gold for discounted admission to Friday's match. All full-time enrolled students at George Mason University will be admitted free with a valid Mason student ID.