Feb. 25, 2010

Box Score

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. - George Mason snapped a four-match losing streak with a five-set win over EIVA Tait Division rival Springfield College on Thursday evening at Blake Arena in Springfield, Mass. Freshman setter Javier Perez recorded his second consecutive double-double with 67 assists and 11 digs in the win.

The Patriots took the first two sets to put the Pride in an early hole. Staring at a two-set deficit, the Pride rallied to win the next two sets to even the score at two and force a fifth and deciding set.

With the score tied at 11 in the final set, sophomore outside hitter Andrew Dentler broke the tie with a kill. On the next point, Dentler served an ace to give the Patriots a two-point lead. After the two sides traded the next three points, Dentler closed the match with a kill to improve Mason's record to 4-6 overall and 2-2 in EIVA Tait Division matches.

Five Patriots reached double-digit kill totals as Mason hit .291 as a team. Dentler and sophomore middle blocker Shaun Sibley both tied for the team lead with 19 kills. Junior Eric Lucas led all players with 18 digs. Sophomore middle blocker Lance Rogers posted a match-high seven blocks to go along with 14 kills.

AJ Nally had 22 kills to lead the Pride attack. Nally also had 11 kills for a double-double. Teammate Alistair Matthews also recorded a double-double in the match with 19 kills and 12 digs.

George Mason takes on No. 13 Ohio State tomorrow in the opening round of the Volleyball Hall of Fame Morgan Classic Tournament at Blake Arena in Springfield, Mass. The Patriots lost to the Buckeyes in three sets on Jan. 28 in Columbus, Ohio.