FAIRFAX, Va. – A chance to close out non-conference play on a good note slipped away from the George Mason women's lacrosse team.

The Patriots couldn't keep pace with Oregon in the second half, suffering a 17-12 loss on Monday night at George Mason Stadium. Mason committed 40 fouls and corralled just 15 ground balls, both areas head coach Jessy Morgan cited as factors figuring into the outcome.

"I just think we, at times, were outhustled," Morgan said. "We couldn't really get under ground balls. We uncharacteristically had a lot of fouls. I don't know if we were a bit over aggressive today. We just had too many fouls. We had 40 fouls in the game. It is hard to overcome that."

The Patriots (4-4) scored the first two goals of the game. But Oregon (7-4) answered with five straight goals and never trailed after that. Mason battled back, though, and rallied to tie the game on Chachi Kelehan's free position shot with 5:08 left in the first half.

The Ducks gained momentum heading into halftime as they scored three straight goals in the final 2:41 of the half for a 10-7 lead at the break. Jordan Sdanowich and Kelehan each scored in the opening 10 minutes of the second half to pull Mason within one, 10-9.

But Oregon scored six of the next seven goals to lengthen the gap and pull away. The Ducks also controlled the circle, winning 20 draw controls compared to Mason's 11.
Kelehan and Alexa McGovern each scored four goals for the Patriots. Sdanowich added two goals and Melissa Lobaccaro and Lindsey Tangeman each scored once. Hannah Warpinski also dished out three assists.

Elizabeth Benedetto made 10 saves after taking over for freshman Melissa Semkiw, who made her third straight start.

The Patriots now turn their attention to Atlantic 10 Conference action as they open A-10 play at home against La Salle at 5 p.m. on Friday at George Mason Stadium.