ALBANY, N.Y. - The George Mason lacrosse team held Albany to a five-goal second half, but it was not enough to overcome a first-half deficit as the Patriots dropped a 17-5 decision at Albany Wednesday afternoon. Allie Hilderbrandt led Mason with two goals as the Patriots dipped to 2-4 with the loss, while Albany improved to 4-2.

In addition to Hilderbrandt's two goals, the Patriots saw scoring from Caitlin Formato, Kirstin Russell and Rachel Obregon. Caroline Brouse picked up six ground balls, while Kate Tangeman recorded a team-best two caused turnovers. Brittany Pastrana and Brouse split time in cage with Pastrana drawing the loss. The duo combined for 10 saves, nine by Brouse.

Rachel Bowles led the Great Danes with five goals as Jess Antelmi added four to the scoreboard. Rachael Burek and Nichole Eamer completed a quartet of Great Danes scoring multiple goals in the contest. Burek also finished the game with five assists as Allie Phelan recorded two ground balls.

Albany opened the contest taking a 9-0 advantage as the Great Danes held Mason off the scoreboard until the 15:26 mark when Hilderbrandt put Mason on the board for a 9-1 score. Albany responded scoring the next three goals before Formato converted a free position attempt for a 12-2 score, which would stand at the half.

The home squad opened the second half with four unanswered through the first five minutes to run away with a 16-2 lead. Mason closed the game scoring three of the final four goals for the final 17-5 score.

Albany was the edge in shots (32-15) and draw controls (14-10), while Mason won the advantage in ground balls (14-9) and converted 2-of-3 free position attempts.