CHICAGO, Illinois – The George Mason men's volleyball team falls in straight sets to the number one team in the nation, Loyola (ILL). 

Loyola won with set scores of 25-17, 25-17, and 25-12.  With tonight's loss, the Patriots move to 8-9 on the season, while Loyola improves their record to 16-1.

Hunter Stevens was able to win the first point of the match for the Patriots; however, the Ramblers were able to take five out of the next seven points to get a comfortable lead.  The Green and Gold got back within two points after a Radoslav Popov kill, but the Ramblers stopped the Patriots comeback bid short (9-7).  Loyola went on to win the first set 25-17.

Loyola jumped out to an early lead in the second set, going up 8-3, forcing Mason into a quick timeout.  Paco Velez got a kill, but the Ramblers forced Mason into another timeout after two straight kills from Joe Smalzer, and Owen McAndrews.  The Patriots were unable to recover after that and ended up losing the second set 25-17.

The Ramblers got off to another quick start, scoring the first five points of the set.  Graham Gresham, Popov, and Stevens were able to get two kills each; however, Loyola dominated the third and final set (25-12).

Reigning EIVA Offensive Player of the Week, Radoslav Popov lead the Patriots with seven kills in the match.  Meanwhile, Jackson Carr dished out a team-best 17 assists for the Green and Gold.  Carr also helped out on defense, adding a team-best seven digs.

The Ramblers were lead by Thomas Jaeschke, who had a match-best 10 kills.  Peter Hutz also dished out a match-best 33 assists.  Meanwhile, Jaeschke completed his double double against the Patriots with 10 digs on defense.

Up Next: The Patriots stay in Illinois to take on #11 Lewis at 8:00 p.m. on Friday, March 14.