March 15, 2008

Box Score

BOSTON - In a shootout that featured a total of 34 goals between the two sides, No. 17 George Mason defeated No. 18 Boston University 19-15 on Saturday afternoon to spoil the Terriers' home opener at Nickerson Field in Boston, Mass. With the win, the Patriots improve their record to 5-1 on the season, while Boston University drops to 3-2 after the loss.

It is the second time this season that Mason has scored 19 goals. The Patriots also found the back of the net 19 times in a win over George Washington on March 5 at George Mason Stadium. On the other hand, the 15 goals scored in the game were the most the Terriers have ever mustered in a loss, overtaking the former mark set against Stony Brook last season, a game that Boston University lost 16-13.

After Lauren Morton scored the game's first goal only 48 seconds into the contest to give BU the early lead, George Mason scored six of the next seven to build a 6-2 advantage. The Terriers countered quickly, notching seven of the next eight goals to build a short-lived 9-7 lead. The Patriots went on another run at the end of the first half that extended into the second, scoring seven of eight goals to build a 14-10 lead they would not relinquish. The teams exchanged goals after that point, with each side scoring five more to reach the final score.

George Mason senior Megan Bartlett led all scorers with five goals, a new career high, in addition to one assist. Freshman Chelsea Gamble also had an outstanding afternoon, tying Bartlett for the game high in points with three goals and three assists.

BU scored five of its goals on free-position opportunities, taking advantage of seven chances. The Patriots were four-for-six on free-position shots. George Mason held the advantage in shots (32-27), ground balls (13-11) and draw controls (21-14).

The Patriots will attempt to set a new school record and extend their winning streak to five when they return home on Saturday, March 22 to take on St. Joseph's at George Mason Stadium. First draw is scheduled for 1 p.m.