FAIRFAX, Va. - On a night when the George Mason women's volleyball team donned pink uniforms to raise awareness and support of breast cancer research, the Patriots were unable to notch a victory as Hofstra defeated Mason, 3-0, in Colonial Athletic Association action Saturday at the RAC. Playing its second of only two home matches in the month of October, Mason fell to 7-12 overall and 2-5 in CAA play. The Pride improved to 12-12 (3-4 CAA) with the win.

Senior Noelle Fanella led all players with 12 kills, while sophomore Lana Zonjic contributed 11 to pace the Mason offense. Senior Kelly McCarter's 15 kills were a team high while sophomore Laura Spencer slammed six total blocks (one solo), most on the evening. Nikki Kinnier and Erika Charry led the way for Hofstra with 11 and 10 kills, respectively.

 The first set was the closest of the three frames, as there were nine ties and four lead changes. Hofstra opened with a 5-2 run, but Mason went on to seize control and led by as many as five at 17-12. The Pride battled back with a 6-1 run to tie the score at 18, and after a Spencer kill made it 19-18 in favor of the Patriots, HU closed out with a 6-2 run to earn a set point opportunity. Two Patriot points moved the margin to 24-23, but an Anissa Whitney kill sealed the victory in set one.

It was all Pride from the start of set two, with 15 of the first 20 points going to the visitors. Trailing 23-12, the Patriots mounted a furious charge though with a 6-0 run to make it 23-19. Kinnier finished it with a kill to give her team a 25-20 win in set two. The third set was similar, as the Pride opened with a 7-2 run and never trailed. Another Patriots rally closed the gap from 22-13 to 24-19, but Charry's kill was the match-winner.

Mason next opens a four-match road swing, beginning with a trip to William & Mary on Friday night. First serve from Kaplan Arena is set for 7 p.m.