FAIRFAX, Va. - The Patriots fell just short in extra innings to the Retrievers of UMBC on Tuesday afternoon by a score of 4-2 in eight innings.

UMBC scored first in the top of the second inning but Mason responded with a run in the fourth inning and a run in the sixth.  In the fourth inning, senior shortstop Rachael Davies hit a two out triple to score first baseman Katie Rynex.  In the sixth inning, freshman third baseman Brooke Blankenship led off the inning with a double to left center field.  Davies eventually earned her second RBI of the game in the inning when she too doubled to left centerfield and scored Blankenship.

Mason received solid pitching from freshman Tiffany Harvell, junior Amanda Buffington and freshman Jamie Rice, giving up a total of just seven hits and four runs in the ballgame.  Unfortunately, the Patriots left six runners on base and were unable to deliver on enough timely hits to win the game.

Mason will begin conference play this weekend as they travel to UNC - Wilmington for a doubleheader on Saturday and a single game on Sunday.