IRVINE, California - The George Mason men's volleyball team wrapped up its California road trip after falling to #6 UC Irvine.  The Patriots came close but UC Irvine won in three sets.  The Anteaters won with set scores of 25-18, 25-22, and 25-18. 

Reigning EIVA Newcomer of the Year Radoslav Popov led the Patriots attack with eight kills.  Jack Wilson finished second on the team with seven kills and also provided three blocks.  Freshman Brian Negron once again provided the bulk of assists for the Green and Gold, finishing with 21.  Paco Velez led the Patriot defense with five digs and also provided five kills on offense.

The first set was a close one, with the Patriots and Anteaters tied at seven.  However, UC Irvine won six of the next eight points to take the lead and win the first set.  The second set went back and forth all the way to the end.  The Patriots were within one point at 22-21, but the Anteaters were able to fight off Mason to win the set.  UC Irvine closed out the match after winning the third set 25-18.

Zack La Cavera led UC Irvine with a match-best 14 kills.  Tamir Hershko also provided 11 kills for the Anteaters to help out the attack.  Michael Brinkley provided a match-high 10 digs on defense and Michael Saeta finished with 40 assists to help out on offense.

The Patriots take the court next at Ohio State on Friday, January 23.  They will then travel to West Virginia to take on UCWV on Saturday, January 24.