Oct. 31, 2009

Box Score

FAIRFAX, Va. - Five Patriots hit double-digit kills and the George Mason women's volleyball team rebounded to win the final three sets in a 3-1 victory over Georgia State in Colonial Athletic Association action on Saturday evening at the RAC Gym. Set scores were 23-25, 25-18, 25-20, 25-20.

Mason improved to 19-7 and 8-3 in the CAA, while the Panthers fell to 3-7 in conference play and 16-10 overall.

Junior Holly Goode led the quintet of Mason players with 18 kills, while sophomore Kelsey Bohman added 14 in an error-free performance (.700). Sophomore Noelle Fanella chipped in 12 while seniors Laura Turner and Rebecca Walter each contributed 11 kills. Junior Fernanda Bartels was one of three Patriots to record a double-double along with Goode and Walter as she dished out a season-high 58 assists to go with 12 digs. Freshman Koala Matsuoka tied the match high with 18 digs.

Ashley Jones had a match-high 21 kills to lead all players.

Both teams offenses struggled in the opening set, with GSU holding a .136-to-.093 hitting advantage in the frame. There were seven lead changes in the set, with the Panthers ultimately seizing the advantage at 17-17 with three straight points and holding off the Patriots.

Mason never trailed in the second set, opening a lead as large as seven on numerous occasions as the offense turned around, swinging .424 in the frame. The offensive production continued into the final two sets, as there were a total of just two attack errors by the Patriots as they went on to earn the victory.

The Patriots will seek to continue to improve their position for the CAA Tournament as they visit first-place VCU and third-place William & Mary next weekend.