FAIRFAX, Va. - Sophomore Lana Zonjic posted a double-double and the George
Mason women's volleyball team honored its four seniors playing the final match
of their careers, but the first-place Delaware Blue Hens picked up a 3-0
Colonial Athletic Association victory Saturday evening at the RAC. The 27-25,
25-18, 25-13 loss closes out the Patriots' season at 7-19, 2-12 in CAA play
while UD improved to 11-3 in conference and 18-13 overall.
Prior to the start of the match, middle blocker Kelsey
Bohman, libero Katrina Boryc, outside hitter Noelle Fanella and libero Kelly
McCarter were recognized for their four-year contributions to the team.
Zonjic led the team and tied a match high with 10 kills
while adding 12 digs while Fanella contributed 11 digs. Leading the way for UD
was Katie Hank and Kim Stewart, with each chipping in 10 kills.
The first set was the most closely contested, with 10 ties
and five lead changes. UD led early at 8-5 but a 13-5 run by Mason sent the
lead to the Patriots at 18-13. The advantage grew to six at 21-15 after a
Zonjic kill forced a UD timeout, and the Blue Hens used an 8-1 run of their own
to take the lead, 23-22. The teams sided out on each of the next six points and
an Alissa Alker ace gave the Blue Hens a win in set one.
Mason scored first in the second set but would never lead,
despite closing a four-point gap to 14-13 with three straight Bohman blocks. UD
expanded the lead to 21-15 and Mason got no closer than five from there.
Jumping out to a 6-2 lead out of the 10-minute break, UD
never trailed in the third set. Mason matched the run with a 6-2 stretch of
their own to tie the score at eight, but nine in a row from the visitors
effectively put the set out of reach.
