March 19, 2008

FAIRFAX, Va. - After 12 days away from the court, the 11th-ranked George Mason men's volleyball team returns to action tomorrow with a 7 p.m. match against EIVA Tait Division foe St. Francis (Pa.) at the Fieldhouse. Following the St. Francis (Pa.) match, the Patriots play again on Saturday, when they take on Juniata College at 4 p.m. at the Fieldhouse.

Mason enters the weekend with a 12-6 overall record and 5-3 mark in EIVA Tait Division matches. The Patriots have won six of their past eight matches. Included in those eight matches is a win over previously unbeaten and top-ranked Penn State on March 7 at the Fieldhouse.

Before making the trip to Fairfax, St. Francis (Pa.) travels to Huntingdon, Pa. to take on Juniata College on Wednesday night. The Red Flash enter that match with a 9-9 overall record and 5-4 mark in EIVA Tait Division matches after losing their past three contests. Mason will be looking to break a string of bad luck against St. Francis (Pa.), having lost their past five matches against the Red Flash, including this season's conference opener.

Juniata College enters Wednesday's match against St. Francis (Pa.) with a 7-8 overall record and 3-3 mark in conference matches. Mason downed the Eagles earlier this season in a tough five-game match on the road, closing out the contest with a 15-10 victory in the fifth game. Junior outside hitter Hudson Bates had 20 kills on 32 swings in the win.

Tickets to the matches will cost $5 for adults and $2 for youth and senior citizens. All full-time enrolled students at George Mason University will be admitted free with a valid Mason student ID. Saturday's match will be Mason Spirit Day. Fans wearing green or gold to the match will be admitted for just $1.