FAIRFAX, Va. – The George Mason softball team defeated Georgetown before falling to Akron in the first day of the Cherry Blossom Classic Tournament.  Earlier this week on Wednesday, the Patriots split a series with UVA.

The first game for the Patriots was a pitching duel between Sarah Kleinfelter and Avery Geehr.  Kleinfelter ended up picking up the win after pitching six innings and giving up zero earned runs.  Christina Gabriele was credited for the save after pitching the final inning for Mason and surrendering no runs.

McKenzie Jones singled to third base and Brooke Sullivan singled up the middle in the fourth inning to each pick up an RBI for the Green and Gold.  Grace Appelbe picked up the lone RBI for Georgetown.  Brooke Blankenship, Julia Czarnecki, and Casey Price each picked up a hit in the game as well.  The Patriots ended up winning the game with the final score of 4-1.

The Zips got off to a quick start after hitting two homeruns in the first inning to jump out to a 5-0 lead in the second game.  The Patriots were able to grab a run back after Casey Price doubled to right center to score Brooke Blankenship. 

Mason started a comeback in the fifth inning after a two-RBI double to right field by Katherine Marsh.  However, the Patriots ultimately fell to Akron 6-3.

Czarnecki led the way with a team-high two hits in the game.  Meanwhile, Christina Gabriele, Price, and Marsh also hit singles in the final game of the day.  Gabriele got the start in the circle for Mason; however, Casey Herring pitched the final six innings in relief and gave up just one earned run.

The Cherry Blossom Tournament continues tomorrow with the first game between Georgetown and Akron at 10:30 a.m.  The Patriots are scheduled to play Akron at 3 p.m. and Wagner at 5:15 p.m. tomorrow.