FAIRFAX, Va. – The George Mason men's volleyball team is set to hit the road this weekend to open EIVA play against Saint Francis (Pa.) on Friday and Penn State on Saturday. The Patriots come into these matches after sweeping #13 Ball State in their most recent match. Paco Velez was awarded the EIVA Defensive Player of the Week for his efforts against IPFW and Ball State last weekend.
MEN'S VOLLEYBALL at Saint Francis (Pa.) (0-11)
When: Friday, February 13, 7 p.m.
Where: Loretto, Pa.
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Saint Francis (Pa.) comes into this match winless this season, despite playing some of the top teams in the country very closely. The Red Flash fell in four sets to #5 UCLA and almost pulled off a major upset before falling in five sets to #1 Loyola Chicago earlier this season.
The Patriots split the series last season, winning in five sets in the second match to help earn the final EIVA Tournament spot. The Patriots hold a 29-9 all-time record against the Red Flash. Stephen Braswell leads Saint Francis this season on offense with 98 kills. Daniel Ford has provided a team-best 255 assists on the year. Meanwhile, Mike Marshman has an impressive 35 total blocks to lead the Red Flash defense.
MEN'S VOLLEYBALL at Penn State (3-7)
When: Saturday, February 14, 7 p.m.
Where: State College, Pa.
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The Nittany Lions come into this match after being swept by Ohio State in a midweek matchup on Wednesday. Before the match against the Buckeyes, Penn State was on a three-match win streak, including a sweep of EIVA opponent Saint Francis (Pa.).
The Patriots fell to eventual EIVA Champions Penn State all three times last season, including a conference semifinals matchup that went four sets. The Nittany Lions hold a 98-14 all-time series record against the Patriots. Aaron Russell leads the Penn State offense with 169 kills this season, followed by Nick Goodell with 124. Taylor Hammond has provided the bulk of assists with 290 so far this season. Meanwhile, Connor Curry leads the defense with 95 digs.
