The George Mason baseball team opens its 2012 season at the Elon University Tournament this weekend. The Patriots will face Appalachian State on Friday at 5 pm, then face host Elon on Saturday at 11:00 am and Sunday at 3:00 pm.

Looking to rebound from a season where they finished 21-32-1 overall and 7-23 in CAA action, the Mason roster features four CAA Preseason All-Conference honorees, including All-CAA junior second baseman Chris Cook. Senior outfielder Dan Schafferman, senior utility Brig Tison and senior designated hitter Zack Helgeson all earned preseason honorable mention all-conference accolades.

Mason (0-0) vs. Appalachian State (0-0)
When: Friday, 5:00 pm
Where: Latham Park, Elon, N.C.
Tickets: $5 adults, $3 youth
Audio: Click Here
Live Stats: Click Here

Notes: The Mountaineers open their season against the Patriots after posting a 33-27 overall and 15-15 Southern Conference record a season ago. They were picked to finish in fifth place in theSoCon preseason coaches poll.

Five Appalachian State players were named to the preseason All-SoCon team, including first team designated hitter Daniel Kassouf and second teamers starting pitcher Ryan Arrowood, relief pitcher David Port, third baseman Zack Briggs and outfielder Tyler Zupcic.

Mason vs. Elon
When: Saturday, 11:00 am and Sunday, 3:00 pm
Where: Latham Park, Elon, N.C.
Tickets: $5 adults, $3 youth
Audio: Click Here
Live Stats: Click Here

Notes: Elon returns to the diamond after winning its third SoCon title in four seasons during the 2011 campaign, finishing the season with a 36-21 overall and 23-7 conference mark. The Phoenix were tabbed to finish fourth in the preseason conference poll, while junior catcher Alex Swim and sophomore second baseman Sebastian Gomez collected preseason All-Southern Conference honors.