MASON (10-22, 4-2 A-10) vs Fordham (27-8, 5-1 A-10)
WHEN:  Saturday: 12 p.m. AND 12:30 p.m.; Sunday: 12 p.m.
WHERE: George Mason Softball Complex, Fairfax, Va.
LIVE STATS: SideArmStats.com
LIVE STATS: Sunday: Atlantic10.com ($) FAIRFAX, Va. – George Mason University's softball team will battle four-time defending Atlantic 10 Conference champion Fordham this weekend with the top spot in the conference standings on the line.
 
Sunday's finale of the highly anticipated series will remain in history as Mason's first home game that will be video broadcast via the Atlantic 10 Digital Network.
 
The Patriots warmed up for the champions with a doubleheader split against in-state foe Virginia on Wednesday. Mason put in one of its best performances of the season and won the first game 6-2. The Cavaliers went on a rally in the second half of the night cap game to earn the split.
 
SCOUTING THE OPPONENT
 
Simultaneously with Mason's success at Dayton last weekend, Fordham welcomed Saint Joseph's in Atlantic 10 play. The Rams won the series against the Hawks 2-1 but had to work hard to earn it after losing the first game 2-0 and being taken to 10 innings before closing the finale at 4-3.
 
Sophomore Jessica Hughes and junior Madison Shaw are Fordham's main offensive weapons, batting .440 (team-best) and .388, respectively. In 189 at-bats, the two have accounted for 78 hits, 72 RBI, and 17 of Fordham's 34 home runs. The Rams have four additional players who hit at least .300, while Mason's top hitter Jess Middleton averages .292.
 
Senior Lauren Quense is Fordham's main pitcher with a 14-4 record and a 1.77 ERA. Freshman left-hander Taylor Stocks has adjusted well to the college level and goes into the weekend with a 4-1 record and 1.82 ERA.