Box Score
*Erin Mitchell scored her third goal of the season
*Nia Elbeck picked up her first assist of the season
*Louisa Moser made three saves in the win

FAIRFAX, Va. – Senior Erin Mitchell scored the only goal of the game on Sunday, netting the game-winner early in the second half in Mason's 1-0 victory over VCU on Senior Day at George Mason Stadium.

Mason (6-8-1, 3-2-1 A-10) and VCU (6-4-3, 2-2-2 A-10) combined for four shots on goal in a defensive first half, with the Patriots recording three and the Rams just one in the first 45 minutes of play.

"We figured it was going to be a one-goal game for one team either way and it was hard to predict how that goal was going to come," Mason head coach Todd Bramble said.  "What I am most proud of today, was this was a total team effort.  We used a lot of players today in a lot of different roles and it took a team effort for us to get these three points."

In the 55th minute, junior Nia Elbeck found space on the right side and sent a cross to Mitchell, who scored her third goal of the season to put the Patriots in front 1-0.

"I just saw Nia going down the right side and I knew she was going to get it over so I was there waiting for it," Mitchell said.  "We already have the advantage being on our home field and having all the fans with us, so it was important to get that win."

Mitchell leads Mason with two game-winning goals.

"That's an athletic play on her part," Bramble said.  "Erin can get to spots quickly and it was a great delivery.  Nia played her a great ball and Erin just beat her defender to the spot and that was a great goal for us."

The Patriots have won five straight home games, outscoring opponents by a combined score of 14-4 with three shutouts.  It's the first time in seven years that Mason has won five home games in a row.  The Patriots last posted five straight home wins from Sept. 6 through Oct. 1, 2010.

"It makes a big difference in the standings," said Bramble.  "If you want to qualify for the postseason tournament, you have to get three points at home as much as you can and we're a good team at home."

Mitchell is tied for the team lead in goals (3) and leads the Patriots in game-winners (2).  Elbeck has registered a goal and an assist over the last two games.

The Rams outshot the Patriots 11-8, but Mason finished with a 6-3 advantage in shots on goal.  The Rams had nine corner kicks and the Patriots had five.

Freshman goalkeeper Louisa Moser (5-4-1) made three saves in the contest to record her second shutout of the season.

The Patriots are back in action on Thursday against Massachusetts with the kickoff scheduled for 7 p.m. at George Mason Stadium.