Sept. 12, 2008

Box Score

DAVIDSON, N.C. - The George Mason women's volleyball team, fueled by an 18-kill performance from junior Rebecca Walter, cruised to its second-straight sweep, defeating Rutgers, 3-0 (25-20, 25-12, 25-20) in the opening match of the Wildcat Classic, hosted by Davidson College. Mason (3-5) won its second-straight match with a strong attack, out-hitting the Scarlet Knights (1-6) by a .250-to-.000 margin.

Walter tallied her season-high mark on .412 hitting, registering 18 kills with four errors on 34 attacks. Freshman Katrina Boryc led all players with 17 digs, and was joined in double figures by classmate Noelle Fanella who chipped in 12 digs. Junior Laura Turner recorded a match-high five total blocks as well. Rutgers was led by Caitlin Saxton who recorded 12 kills.

The two squads, which both participated in last weekend's Patriot Invitational but did not face each other, began the match evenly as neither led by more than three. Mason took the lead for good when, with the score tied at eight, a Walter kill on an assist from sophomore Fernanda Bartels put Mason ahead for the remainder of the set.

Mason controlled the second set from the early moments, when a 11-3 run broke open a tie score and led the Patriots to a 2-0 set lead. Rutgers' attack dipped into negative figures for the second set in a row, as they hit -.075 in the second after a -.025 performance in the opening set.

Rutgers forced the Patriots into a much more competitive third set, as they held pace with Mason for the duration. The Scarlet Knights did not trail until, at an 18-18 deadlock, the Patriots closed out the match with seven of the next nine points.

Mason continues tournament play on Saturday when they face the host Wildcats at 12:30 p.m., followed by a matchup with Charlotte at 4:30 p.m.