March 24, 2009

FAIRFAX, Va. - George Mason (3-4) will host American University (1-7) on Wednesday at 5 p.m. at George Mason Stadium in the final game of a four-game women's lacrosse homestand. The Patriots hold a 13-1 advantage in the all-time series with the Eagles.

In the last meeting between the two schools on March 26, 2008, Mason downed American by a final score of 15-7 at Jacobs Field in Washington, D.C. The lone loss in program history to the Eagles came on March 30, 1999. Since that loss, the Patriots have posted a perfect 8-0 record against American.

After back-to-back losses to No. 12 Boston University and No. 4 Georgetown, Mason rebounded on March 21 with its finest all-around performance of the season in a 21-6 rout of Iona College. The 21 goals scored represents the third-highest single-game output in school history, and a high mark this season. The six goals allowed is the least an opponent has scored against the Patriot defensive unit during the 2009 season.

A total of seven players scored at least two goals in the contest for Mason. Leading the Patriot attack was senior Brittany Berger, who scored five goals and added an assist for six points. Freshman Emily Ellisen added four goals, while junior Megan Udovich chipped in three. Sophomores Chelsea Gamble and Madalyn Jamison both finished with four assists. George Mason held an advantage in shots (41-15), assists (10-1), points (31-7), ground balls (24-14), draw controls (18-11) and caused turnovers (15-8).

Amanda Makoid and Leslie Fischer are tied for the team lead with 11 goals each for American, which has lost its last five contests. The Eagles only win of the 2009 season was on Feb. 25 against George Washington, an opponent the Patriots share with the Eagles. Mason defeated GW 16-11 on March 4 at Mount Vernon Field in Washington, D.C.

Tickets to Wednesday's game cost $5 for adults and $2 for youth and senior citizens. All full-time enrolled students at George Mason University will get in free with a valid Mason student ID.

Following Wednesday's game, George Mason begins Colonial Athletic Association play with a road game against Drexel University in Philadelphia, Pa. on April 3.