Jan. 23, 2010

Box Score

FAIRFAX, Va. - George Mason got off to a strong start in its 2010 season opener in its new venue, downing Lees-McRae in straight sets (30-21, 35-33, 30-20) on Saturday evening at the RAC Gym. It was the first match for the Patriots' men's volleyball team on its new court.

Mason's attack adjusted well to its new home court, hitting .461 as a team. The Patriots were led by Eric Lucas, who adapted well in his first action at his new position of outside hitter, finishing with 18 kills on 30 swings. Lucas, a junior, was a libero for the past two seasons. In addition to Lucas, Joe Norton (14) and Ben Nichols (13) also finished with double-digit kill totals.

Mason never trailed in taking a 30-21 opening set victory. Leading 1-0, the Patriots faced a tough test from Lees-McRae in the second set. Facing set point at 29-27, Mason rallied to take the next two points to even the score at 29. The two sides then alternated the next eight points until Mason won the set 35-33 on back-to-back kills by Shaun Sibley and Lucas.

With a 2-0 lead, the Patriots cruised in the third set to take the win. After losing the first point of the set, Mason never trailed again in taking a 30-20 victory.

George Mason hits the road for its next contest, traveling to Columbus, Ohio to take on Ohio State on Thursday, Jan. 28 at 7 p.m. The Buckeyes are ranked 13th in the nation in the latest AVCA Division I-II Men's Coaches Top-15 Poll.