Spartanburg, S.C. - The George Mason softball team began its season today at the USC Upstate Tournament and was paired up against USC Upstate first.  The Patriots suffered a 9-1 defeat from the Spartans.

Katie Rynex provided Mason with their only run of the game when she blasted a fifth inning solo home run to left field. 

Tori Dudley and Emily Lafferty recorded the only other hits on the day which were both singles.  Lauren McColgan and Reagan Doiron both got on base through a walk and a hit-by-pitch, respectively, but no one would make it past second base.

Kelsey Byrd got the start in the pitching circle today and lasted three innings before being relieved by Stephanie Maher who came in to finish the game.  She pitched two innings and also recorded a strikeout.

USC starting pitcher, Morgan Childers, had a strong performance in the circle. She struck out 13 in six innings of work, allowing one run on three hits to improve to 5-0 on the year.

Mason will play its second game of the year Saturday, February 19 at noon against Hampton.