April 3, 2008

FAIRFAX, Va. - The George Mason women's lacrosse team earned the highest-ranking in school history this week when the polls were released with a No. 9 ranking in both the IWLCA/Under Armour Poll and the Inside Lacrosse Media Poll. With a 7-1 record heading into Friday's 7 p.m. game at George Mason Stadium, the Patriots will attempt to extend their school-record winning streak to seven with a victory over the Old Dominion Lady Monarchs in the Colonial Athletic Association opener for both teams.

George Mason's 7-1 record after eight contests is the best start to a season in the 15-year history of the program. Mason has not lost in more than a month, with the team's lone loss of the season coming on Feb. 27 at then-No. 9 Georgetown. The winning streak began on March 1 when Mason defeated in-state rival Virginia Tech and has included wins over George Washington, Iona College, then-No. 18 Boston University, Saint Joseph's and American.

The Patriots' potent offensive attack has outscored opponents 111-73 through eight games this season, ranking the team eighth in the nation in scoring margin with an average of 4.75 goals per game more than its opponents. Mason's success hasn't been limited to the offensive side of the field; however, as the Patriots also rank in the top-10 in the nation in caused turnovers with an average of 11.38 per contest to rank seventh.

Mason ranks among the best in the CAA in several statistical categories. The Patriots are first in goals per game (13.88), points per game (19.25), and ground balls per game (20.50); second in assists per game (5.38), shots per game (31.88), and shooting percentage (.435); and third in caused turnovers per game (11.38). George Mason's defensive strength could cause trouble for an Old Dominion team that ranks next-to-last in the CAA in goals scored per game with an average of 9.25 and first in turnovers per game with an average of 15.75 per contest.

Attacker Brittany Berger is enjoying a stellar junior season for the Patriots, leading the team with 26 goals, 29 points, three game-winning goals and five free-position goals. Berger is tied for first in the conference in game-winning goals (3), second in goals per game (3.25) and fourth in points per game (3.62).

Senior goalkeeper Sara Larson has been stellar between the pipes in leading the Lady Monarchs to a 4-1 start this season. Larson ranks first in the CAA in goals against average (6.75), save percentage (.603) and saves per game (10.25).

Tickets to Friday's 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. Friday's game will be the Broadside Game of the Week. All George Mason students in attendance will receive free pizza while supplies last. In addition to being the Broadside Game of the Week, Powerade t-shirts will be thrown into the crowd throughout the game.